Paleontologist, malacologist, traveler and poet, Conrad was born in Trenton, New Jersey and elected to membership in the Academy in 1831. His connection with it continued throughout his life, at one time as a curator, and at another time as a member of the publication committee. Few years passed when papers by Conrad were not published by the Academy, the first appearing in 1830, the last in 1877. Much of the material in this collection relates to the famous controversy with Isaac Lea. Most of his scientific works were illustrated by himself.