INSECTA, 



DR. W. F. ERICHSON. 



THE inconsiderate and arbitrary mode of constructing 

 names in all departments of Zoology, which has prevailed so 

 extensively and increasingly, especially in France and 

 England, has become too general an evil not to have excited 

 consideration. Attempts consequently have been made 

 simultaneously by two parties, with the view of obviating 

 the mischief thence arising, and if possible of putting an 

 end to it. 



In England a committee of Zoologists was formed for the effecting of this 

 object, whose propositions are given in the 'Report of the 12th Meeting of 

 the British Association for the Advancement of Science,' held at Manchester 

 in June 1842 Lond. 1843, pp. 105-121; and which were also published in 

 the ' Annals of Natural Hist.' xi, p. 259. These propositions con- 

 sist 1. In rules for rectifying the present nomenclature. 2. Recom- 

 mendations for the correct formation of new names (for improving the 

 nomenclature in future). Generally speaking, the plan is very judicious, 

 but, to me, it appears defective in not going back to Linnseus, who was the 

 father of modern nomenclature, and has given the rules for it in the 

 ' Philosophia Botanica.' The rules as well as the nomenclature are essen- 

 tially the same for both the organic kingdoms, and their application as they 

 are exhibited in the Phil. Botau. to Zoology, is extremely simple. 



The principal cause, moreover, of erroneous nomenclature, is to be referred 

 to the circumstance that the givers of the names are deficient in the neces- 

 sary knowledge of the languages, to such an extent, even, as to be ignorant 

 of the Greek alphabet, and under such circumstances it is hardly to be ex- 

 pected Ih.'it tlir labours of the English Zoological Committee will be suc- 

 cessful. 



