While examining and curating the dry crustacean collection in the University Museum, Oxford, the author verified the presence of type crustaceans of the suborder Brachyura acquired by Thomas Bell and that were believed to be no longer extant. Included is a listing of type material of 70 crab species that were described by Bell in three papers between 1835 and 1855. Complete synonymies and the present condition of each type are included.

SUMMARY One hundred and ten numbered lots of zoological specimens and several specimens of rocks collected by Charles Darwin during the second voyage of H.M.S. Beagle (1831–1836) are contained in the collections of the Oxford University Museum. The circumstances which led to their acquisition are outlined. Most of this material comprises “higher” crustaceans but a few other invertebrate groups are also represented. A systematic identification has been made of these specimens and their condition is briefly described.