NOMENCLATURE. S3? 



ty, clearness and conciseness. The genus being first 

 well defined, we are to seek for characters, not men- 

 tioned among the generic marks, for distinguishing the 

 species. A specific difference for the solitary species 

 of any genus, is therefore an absurdity. Linnaeus at 

 first intended his specific definitions should be used as 

 names ; but the invention of trivial names happily set 

 aside this inconvenient scheme. On this account how- 

 ever he limited each to twolve words, a rule to which 

 all philosophical naturalists have adhered, except in ca- 

 ses of great necessity. Nor is the admission of one 

 or two words beyond the allotted number reprehensi- 

 ble, provided the whole sentence be so neatly and per- 

 spicuously constructed, that the mind may comprehend 

 it, and compare it with others at one view ; but this 

 can hardly be done when the words much exceed 

 twelve. 



Nomenclature is no less essential a branch of me- 

 thodical science than characteristic definitions ; for, un- 

 less some fixed laws, or, in other words, good sense 

 and perspicuity, be attended to in this department, 

 great confusion and uncertainty must ensue. 



In all ages it has been customary to dedicate certain 

 plants to the honour of distinguished persons. Thus 

 Euphorbia commemorates the physician of Juba a Moor- 

 ish prince, and Gentiana immortalizes a king of Illyria. 

 The scientific botanists of modern times have adopted 

 the same mode of preserving the memory of benefac- 

 tors to their science ; and though the honour may have 

 been sometimes extended too far, that is no argument 

 for its total abrogation. Some uncouth names thus un- 

 avoidably deform our botanical books ; but this is often 

 effaced by the merit of their owners, and it is allowa- 

 ble to model them into grace as much as possible. 



