The best comparison of the definitions of conchology/malacology is found in
P. Dance's book, History of Shell Collecting, at least in my mind.  There
is a short chapter devoted to the topic.
 
Kurt
 
At 02:15 PM 3/31/99 -1000, you wrote:
>My small dictionary defines "Malacology" as "The branch of zoology which
>deals with mollusks" and defines "Conchology" as "The branch of zoology
>which deals with shells or mollusks".  This would make them the same.
>Generally, however, don't most people restrict conchologists definition
>to the shell, and malalacologists to include all aspects of molluscs
>including the shell, habitat, biology, etc.?
>
>I glanced through five or six well known shell books such a "Compendium
>of Seashells".  They didn't define the two terms, but Abbott used
>"amateur conchologist" several times.  In "Murex Shells of the World",
>Radwin and D'Attilio define "Concologist.  A specialist in the study of
>molluscan shells. See also Malacologist" and "Malacologist. A specialist
>in the study of mollusks, especially one who deals with soft parts as
>well as shells.  See also Conchologist".
>
>I don't think using "Conchologist" is running down their contribution
>compared to a "Malacologist".
>--
>                     Aloha from Wesley M. Thorsson
>Editor of Internet Hawaiian Shell News, a monthly Internet Publication
>           122 Waialeale St, Honolulu, HI  96825-2020,  U.S.A
>       http://www.hits.net/~hsn                 [log in to unmask]
>