10 GENERAL PRINCIPLES. 



8. To express a quality which is directly the reverse of the usual 

 signification of the term, the particle ob is added, and we say, for ex. 

 obconicus, of the shape of a reversed cone ; viz., when a part, instead of 

 running from the base upwards to a point, runs from the apex down- 

 wards to the point ; obovafus is used in the same way to express its 

 being of a reversed egg-shape. 



9. Qualities which consist of the conjunction of two generally 

 separated peculiarities are also expressed by the union of both the 

 adjectives. In composing these words we must be particularly cautious 

 in the succession of the united terms, as it is by no means indifferent. 

 The word expressive of the dominant quality stands last, and that made 

 to precede it is merely its modification : for ex. puuctatus indicates 

 being covered with punctures ; striding, having linear longitudinal 

 impressions. By the various compounding of these two words, very 

 different ideas are formed, according to their precedence. Striato- 

 punctatus indicates a surface which is merely punctured, but the 

 punctures whereof are placed in rows ; punctalo-strialus, on the 

 contrary, is a surface which has distinctly impressed lines with punc- 

 tures within. 



13. 



VIII. Parts which discover a certain resemblance of form with 

 objects, Avhich, by their application, or uses in common life, are suffi- 

 ciently known, are suitably named from what they accord with. Many 

 adjectives thence occur in Orismology which require no further expla- 

 nation. This is not so usual in the terms expressive of colour, and 

 particularly where it is desirable to explain the multifarious transitions 

 of one into the other, \ve meet with difficulties in the selection of the 

 exactly appropriate word, so that peculiar orismological terms are 

 requisite for their correct definition. 



