174 ZOOLOGY 



Synonyms species." These were, of course, new only in the sense 

 homonyms f not haying been scientifically named before. It 

 soon appeared that through various misunderstandings, 

 or mere ignorance of what had been done, the same 

 animals or plants often received several names. The 

 rule of priority was accordingly established, and ac- 

 cording to it the name first given, accompanied by data 

 for recognition, is the valid or proper name. All others 

 are synonyms, and have no standing. Names being 

 of course international, it makes no difference where 

 or by whom the first name is published, provided it is 

 in Latinized form (and great latitude is permitted here !) 

 and conforms to the rules generally. There is one nec- 

 essary exception to priority, however : it cannot be per- 

 mitted for two different genera of animals or of plants 

 to have the same name, nor for two species in the same 

 genus to be named alike. When names are thus inad- 

 vertently duplicated, the one latest published is called 

 a homonym, and it is necessary to propose a substitute 

 for it. 



