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AP PION DPX 
On Entomological Nomenclature, and the Rule of Priority. 
By W. Arnotp Lewis, F.L.S. 
[Read 1st February, 1875.] 
SINCE last the subject of Nomenclature came before us, a great 
deal has been done. The movement in favour of retaining 
universally accepted names, which originated at one of our 
meetings, has received efficient support in widely different 
quarters. One prominent entomologist on the Continent of 
Europe ‘has declared himself free from obedience to the rule 
of priority ; another in the New World has replied to the pro- 
posed changes of names that his motto is “ Resist innovation ;” 
while at the present time the entomologists who are his fellow- 
countrymen are formally re-considering the laws of Nomencla- 
ture at the instance of those who support the reform in question. 
The discussion has covered many pages; and the same reasoning 
which was put forward here has occupied large numbers who 
have shown an interest in the subject. The author of one of 
the chief synonymice lists has come forward to render explana- 
tions of some points urged against the observance of the strict 
priority rule, and based on discrepancies apparent from his own 
important work. From the signs which appear, it is high tide 
now on this question. ‘The arguments have reached an advanced 
stage ; yet I think there is reason to fear that some who have 
expressed themselves as adverse to the restoration of forgotten 
names, have nevertheless failed to seize an essential point, and 
are in danger of missing the object aimed at. For taking up 
the thread again, reviewing some part of what has been said 
and done, and making clear the questions in dispute,—for point- 
ing out (I venture also to hope) some considerations which are 
of importance,—the present appears a fitting time. With these 
objects at all events, I offer the remarks which are to follow. 
Now what are the main points relied on by those who desire 
the preservation of names in use? I think they can be taken 
up successively in such a manner as to make them clear to 
everyone. 
The Meaning of the Rule of Priority. 
In the first place, we ask those interested in the discussion 
to examine with us the circumstances under which the laws of 
TRANS. ENT. SOC. 1875.—PART I. (MAY.) a 
