CHAPTER 1 



General ConsideratLons 



GENERAL CONSIDERATION 1. The progress of bacteriology can be furthered 

 by a precise system of nomenclature which is properly integrated with the 

 systems used by botanists and zoologists and accepted by the majority of 

 bacteriologists in all countries. The Bacteriological Code applies to bacteria, 

 related organisms and the viruses. Botanical and Zoological Codes provide 

 for the nomenclature of certain other microbial groups such as the yeasts 

 and fungi, algae and protozoa. The special nomenclatural problems of these 

 groups require cooperation with zoologists and botanists. 



ANNOTATIONS* 



General Consideration 1. The Botanical Code states (Preamble) : 



Botany requires a precise and simple system of nomenclature used 



by botanists in all countries, dealing on the one hand with the 



terms which denote the ranks of taxonomic groups or units, and on 



the other hand with the names which are applied to the individual 



taxonomic groups. 



No court is competent to enforce the provisions of any nomenclatural 



code. Adherence to the provisions of the Bacteriological Code is left 



to the individual judgment of the microbiologist. Nonconformity 



seems to be due more to lack of knowledge of the Code or to lack of 



understanding of its intent than to fundamental disagreement with 



the provisions themselves. 



There are three official codes of nomenclature, one for each of the 

 three segments of biology: botany, zoology and bacteriolog\ (includ- 

 ing virology) . The existence of the three codes is troublesome, for 

 the microbiologist works with microorganisms whose nomenclature 

 is determined by the Bacteriological Code (the bacteria and viruses) , 



* These annotations are quite unorticial. They are intended to be helpful in 

 the interpretation of the Rules and Recommendations, by giving examples and by 

 noting corresponding Rules and Recommendations to be found in the Botanical 

 and Zoological Codes. 



[3] 



