596 R. E. BUCHANAN 



Are we yet ready to make a real, systematic, effort to classify 

 and name the bacteria? As a society we are committed to the 

 idea that we are ready, as shown by our possessing a committee 

 on classification. It would seem that just now the time is pro- 

 pitious for the careful formulation of general rules of bacterio- 

 logical nomenclature and of a scheme of bacterial classification. 



What can we do? Much, it would appear, through the aid 

 of the committee on classification or a new committee on nomen- 

 clature or both. 



We can ask that the committee make a careful study of the bo- 

 tanical, and perhaps, too of the zoological codes of nomencla- 

 ture. They could then report what changes, if any are neces- 

 sary to make either serve as a working scheme for bacteriology. 



They could make recommendations as to the date of departure 

 for bacterial classification. 



They could report on the historical validity of the names 

 that are used for bacterial groups, particularly genera, and 

 determine their type species, and adequate diagnoses. 



They could prepare a list of recognized generic names, such 

 as that maintained in the check list of birds by the ornithologists 

 of this country. 



They could seek the active cooperation of committees of other 

 societies interested in like problems in this country, and as 

 rapidly as practicable, work with similar organizations in other 

 countries. 



They could prepare a set of resolutions for the next inter- 

 national botanical congress that would doubtless contribute 

 greatly to the solution of the problem of nomenclature and 

 classification among the bacteria. 



And lastly, they might with profit give some careful thought 

 to the preparation of a classification of the chemical changes 

 brought about by microorganisms. It seems that we are fated 

 to hear and read discussions of azofication, ferrification, etc. 

 Could not a system etymologically sound be worked out for 

 such terms in the interest of uniformity? 



REFERENCE 

 VuiLLEMiN. 1913. Genera Schizomycetum. Annales Mycologici. 11, 512-527. 



