An Essay on Nomenclature [ 1 1 



of termination. All names which are adjectives are used in the neuter, but ascribed to 

 the original authors. 



The practices described have resulted in the use of many names which will seem 

 strange, producing lists which are undeniably heterogeneous. A friendly critic notes 

 as an example of these things the Hst of classes, Heterokonta, Bacillariacea, Oomy- 

 cetes, and Melanophycea, on page 55. It will be realized that the three among these 

 names which are adjectives must be in the feminine if the groups are construed as 

 Plantae, neuter if Protoctista. Taking this fact into account, these are actually the 

 first names, not previously used in other principal categories, applied to these groups 

 as classes. What other names could one use? Everyone will know what groups are 

 intended. Would any person understand them better if new names had been created 

 by applying a uniform termination to the old roots? 



Enough about nomenclature. We should begin to deal with organisms. 



