Rules of Zoological Nomenclature

Abstract

SUCH cases of the abuse of the rules of zoological nomenclature as are indicated by Prof. W. Garstang in NATURE of September 9 indicate a failure in the functioning of the present rules which is an ever present danger and hindrance to the work for which systematic researches exist. The existing rule that no names shall be changed if the result will be greater confusion than uniformity needs enforcement. At present, this can only be done by a long and cumbrous procedure which has resulted in comparatively few, a few hundred, nomina conservanda, and those generally only of common genera, and very few species. It is also unfortunate that this remedy comes after the damage has been done. The position needs something much more rapid and thorough which, under the present scheme, would mean the appointment of whole-time searchers in each group, who would present lists of a thousand or so names annually to a committee of superhuman patience. Such a scheme is utterly impossible.