ON THE FRAUDS OF OBSERVERS.
Scientific inquiries are more exposed than most others to the inroads of pretenders; and I feel that I shall deserve the thanks of all who really value truth, by stating some of the methods of deceiving practised by unworthy claimants for its honours, whilst the mere circumstance of their arts being known may deter future offenders.
There are several species of impositions that have been practised in science, which are but little known, except to the initiated, and which it may perhaps be possible to render quite intelligible to ordinary understandings.

These may be classed under the heads of hoaxing, forging, trimming, and cooking.
OF HOAXING.

This, perhaps, will be better explained by an example.

In the year 1788, M.Gioeni, a knight of Malta, published at Naples an account of a new family of Testacea, of which he described, with great minuteness, one species, the specific name of which has been taken from its habitat, and the generic he took from his own family, calling it Gioenia Sicula.

It consisted of two rounded triangular valves, united by the body of the animal to a smaller valve in front.