I am looking for the scientific term used to describe the research done on "mythical" creatures such as dragons, chimeras, and unicorns. I found an encyclopedia type book years ago in a public library with the term in its title and I haven't been able to find it or anything on the subject since. Does anyone know what it is? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Cryptozoology- its the study of hidden or unknown creatures, according to this site-

http://www.wyrdology.com/cryptozoology/

It is commonly confused with the study of mythical creatures,

perhaps this is the word you were looking for?

Yeah, it's not technically correct to call it the study of "mythical" creatures. To call a creature "mythical" is to already presuppose it doesn't exist.

that's exactly what I was looking for. thank you. sorry about confusing it with "mythical". it was the best way I could find to explain it at the time.