54 CODE OF NOMENCLATURE. 



REMARKS. In the case of fossil organisms, represented by a few frag- 

 ments, the practice of giving a general description is especially common ; 

 but even here, as in all other cases, it would be far better to give a formal 

 diagnosis or description of the generic characters as distinguished from the 

 specific. 



10. Of the Piiblication of Names. 



CANON XLVII. Publication consists in the public sale or 

 distribution of printed matter, books, pamphlets, or plates. 



REMARKS. In Botany the distribution, by sale or otherwise, of labelled 

 specimens, bearing the date of their distribution, is likewise recognized as 

 publication. 



In respect to the matter of publication, the B. A. Committee wisely recom- 

 mend as follows : "A large proportion of the complicated mass of synonyms 

 which has now become the opprobrium of zoology, has originated either 

 from the slovenly and imperfect manner in which species and groups have 

 been originally denned, or from their definitions having been inserted in ob- 

 scure local publications which have never obtained an extensive circulation. 

 Therefore .... we would strongly advise the authors of new groups always 

 to give, in the first instance, a full and accurate definition of their characters, 

 and to insert the same in such periodicals or other works as are likely to 

 obtain an immediate or extensive circulation." 



Mr. Ball, on the same point, makes the following judicious and explicit 

 recommendations. 



" To avoid increasing the difficulties encountered in dealing with the al- 

 ready enormous mass of scientific names, authors are earnestly recommended 

 to take the following precautions in publication : 



"r. To publish matter containing descriptions of new groups or species 

 [or changes in nomenclature], in the regularly appearing proceedings of some 

 well-established scientific society, or in some scientific serial of acknowl- 

 edged standing and permanence. 



"2. If a separate publication or independent work be issued by any 

 author, copies should at once be sent to the principal learned societies, sci- 

 entific libraries, and especially to those persons or associations known to be 

 employed in the publication of bibliographical records or annual reviews of 

 scientific progress. 



" The work should also be placed at the disposition of the scientific world 

 by an advertisement of copies placed in the hands of some firm, society, or 

 individual for sale or distribution. 



" 3. To avoid most carefully the publication of new names or changes of 

 nomenclature in newspapers ; in serials not of a scientific nature or of limited 

 circulation ; in the occasional pamphlets issued by weak, torpid, or obscure 



