PROSPECTS FOR A NATURAL SYSTEM 

 OF CLASSIFICATION OF BACTERIA 



(with c. b. van niel) 



I. MOTIVES FOR A RENEWED DISCUSSION OF THE SUBJECT 



At the present time only two systems of bacterial classification are in 

 more general use. In Europe the system of Lehmann and Neumann 

 [1926] is still prevalent, whilst in America many bacteriologists adhere 

 to the system given in Bergey's Manual of Determinative Bacteriology 

 [1934]. Yet it is certain that several investigators have felt that these 

 systems are unsatisfactory both from a practical and from a taxonomic 

 standpoint. 



As a consequence several new or amended systems have been pro- 

 posed which, however, have failed to draw the attention of the major- 

 ity of bacteriologists. Amongst these there are a few contributions 

 which well deserve a wider appreciation, because they are based upon 

 what seems to the authors of the present essay a sound realization of 

 the principles of scientific taxonomy. These studies often give evidence 

 of a profound knowledge of the literature pertaining to the subject. 

 Nevertheless, it is to be regretted that the most notable of the authors 

 seem to be unaware of the existence of similarly directed efforts. Hence 

 valuable suggestions offered by one author have not been considered 

 by the kindred writers, although these might have materially aided 

 in ensuring the success of the various attempts. 



Under these circumstances it seems profitable to expound again the 

 guiding principles of a rational taxonomy, to point out the deficiencies 

 of the recently proposed systems, and finally to develop a classification 

 which is largely built on the meritorious elements of many preceding 

 studies and in which, on the other hand, fallacies inherent in many of 

 these are avoided. 



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