(225–226) Proposals to more clearly provide the date limitations in Article 41

Abstract

A taxonomist without much expertise in the Shenzhen Code (Turland & al. in Regnum Veg. 159. 2018) seeking to publish a new combination might assume the most important rule would be set forth in Art. 41.1. In fact, the applicable rule is in Art. 41.5, which is not referenced in Art. 41.1. Because most users have little interest in the pre-1953 rules, Art. 41 should immediately direct the reader to Art. 41.5. “41.1. In order to be validly published, a new combination, name at new rank, or replacement name must be accompanied by a reference to the basionym or replaced synonym. (See Art. 6.10 and 6.11). See Art. 41.5 for such names published on or after 1 January 1953.” Article 41.5 states that “On or after 1 January 1953, a new combination, name at new rank, or replacement name is not validly published” unless there is a full and direct bibliographic reference. As literally written, this would mean that new combinations etc. published before that date without a full and direct bibliographic reference would cease to be validly published on that date. Article 41.6 provides the correct formulation, i.e. “a name published on or after 1 January 1953”. “41.5. On or after 1 January 1953, a A new combination, name at new rank, or replacement name published on or after 1 January 1953 is not validly published unless its basionym or replaced synonym is clearly indicated and a full and direct reference given to its author and place of valid publication, with page or plate reference and date (but see Art. 41.6 and 41.8). In addition On or after 1 January 2007, a new combination, name at new rank, or replacement name published on or after 1 January 2007 is not validly published unless its basionym or replaced synonym is cited.” Conforming changes are needed for Art. 41.3 and 41.8. I thank Nicholas J. Turland and John H. Wiersema for their improvements to this proposal.