SPECIFIC CHARACTERS. 28 1 



first well defined, we are to seek for characters, not 

 mentioned among the generic marks, for distinguishing 

 the species. A specific difference for a solitary species 

 of any genus, is therefore an absurdity. Linnasus 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 twelve words, a rule to which 

 all philosophical naturalists have adhered, except in 

 cases of great necessity. Nor is the admission of one 

 or two words beyond the allotted number reprehensible, 

 provided the whole sentence be so neatly and perspi- 

 cuously 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. This rule, of course, can be strictly applied 

 to Latin definitions only, though it should be kept in 

 view in any language, as far as the genius of that lan- 

 guage will allow. Linnaeus says, *^ Genuine specific di- 

 stinctions constitute the perfection of natural science;'* 

 which is strongly confirmed by the great inferiority of 

 most botanists, in this department, to that great man, 

 and especially by the tedious feebleness and insuffi- 

 ciency, displayed among those who court celebrity by 

 despising his principles. 



In constructing generic and specific characters, the 

 arrangement of the different parts on which they are 

 founded is to be considered. Such as are most impor- 

 tant in the natural order, or genus, are to stand first, 



