NO. 7 OPINIONS 115 TO 123 35 



number Linnean names (on a binary and binomial basis) witb page 

 references are cited. 



In volume 4, 1773, according to the Introduction, p. 5, the twelfth 

 edition of Linne's Systema Naturae is definitely adopted. 



The introduction to volume 5, 1775, pp. 2-3, definitely states that 

 Linnean method and terminology are adopted. 



Accordingly the seven volumes represent two different plans of 

 nomenclature — one, the pre-Linnean (polynomial) and the other the 

 Linnean plan (binary and binomial). This point in itself might tend 

 to make confusion for many in case this series of books is admitted 

 under the International Rules, as it would add numerous new cases to 

 a group of names which, though settled in principle by the Rules and 

 Opinions, is still made a subject of controversial discussion. 



A second point of confusion would arise from an element which 

 the Secretary interprets as a cross-reference to the species, but which 

 some authors, not without justification, might argue represents entries 

 of new generic names. Under this latter interpretation confusion will 

 result and the extent of this confusion cannot at present be foreseen. 

 As examples, the following may be cited : 



Vol. 2, 1761, p. 267, " Boiiiby.v .... Papilio Bombyx .... der Seidcn- 



wurm " ; 

 Vol. 3, 1766, p. 469, Crocodilus (referred to Linn.) is cross-referenced to 

 {s. {= siche^ ) Laccrta crocodilus Linn., tenth edition ; 



p. 566, " Cypraea Lynx. s. Lynx Cypraca," of. vol. 4, 1773, p. 918, " Lynx. 

 Cypraca Lynx." Thus Lynx might become the name of a mollusk, 

 and Lyyix Kerr, 1792, mammal, would then become a homonym ; 



p. 585, Dama is quoted as if it might be a generic name, and refers to 

 Cerints dama Linn., tenth edition, p. 67, no. 5 ; 

 Vol. 6, 1775, p. 2, " Paca. s. Cavia Paca." This might be interpreted by some 

 authors as a new generic name based on Cavia paca ; 



p. 619, " Polcat. s. Vivcrra Putorins." Probably for the English polecat, 

 but might easily be interpreted as a generic name ; 



p. 815, " Rattus s. Mus Rattns"; 



p. 815, "Rattus inoschatus" quoted from 1725. Two interpretations 

 might be made by different authors: (1) tlj^at the genus Rattus, 

 type Mus Rattns is proposed and that this genus includes also 

 Rattus moschatiis ; or (2) that Rattus is a specific cross-reference 

 to Mus Rattus and that Rattus vioschatus is simply a quotation 

 from 1725. 



A third type of confusion would result because of the entries of 

 pre-Linnean names in connection with which it is sometimes difficult 

 to conclude whether they are blind dictionary (or bibliographic) 

 citations or whether they should be interpreted as adopted by the 

 author. Examples : 



Vol. 2, p. 114, "Bacillus, s. astacus pctrificatus vulgo," cf. "Astacus pctrifica- 

 tus vulgo .... vcrsteincrtc Krcbsc," vol. 2, p. 21. Bacillus would 

 stand in danger of being transferred from the insects to Crustacea; 



