INTRODUCTION. 77 



possessing the same cliaractcrs, are identical. We view 

 tliis to be a more rational course than to consider them 

 to be the analocjues of each other, a convenient but 

 indefinite mode of expression, which may be used to 

 cover everj degree of similitude from a general analogy 

 to a close affinity hardly admitting of distinction. 



Closely connected with this subject is that of a pro- 

 per selection of specific terms for new objects ; for next 

 in importance to a good description and figure, is an 

 appropriate and characteristic name. The use of spe- 

 cific names was adopted as a substitute for the charac- 

 teristic phrase, consistmg often of many words, which, 

 before the time of Limii^us, naturahsts were obliged 

 to cite whenever they alluded to a species. As one 

 word thus took the place of an entire sentence, it was 

 desirable to select one that expressed some prominent 

 trait of the object named, and, if possible, that trait 

 by which it was distinguished from all others of the 

 same genus. Such a word aids the memory by re- 

 calling the characters of the species, and being in the 

 Latin language, conveys its meaning in every coun- 

 try where that language is understood. This practice, 

 so obviously consistent with good taste, good sense, 

 and utility, was received with general approbation, 

 and almost immediately adopted among the rules of 

 nomenclature. In process of time, however, iimova- 

 tion commenced, and distinguished natui'alists were oc- 

 casionally complimented by the attachment of their names 

 to particular species. There seemed at first to be no 



