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VII. On some proposed transfers of names of genera. 

 By David Sharp, M.B., F.Z.S. 



[Read April 7th, 1886.] 



Although much difficulty about generic names has 

 always been experienced by zoologists, and much 

 temporary confusion as to the application of particular 

 names has existed, yet the difficulties have not proved 

 hitherto intolerable. It is true that a name has fre- 

 quently been proposed, accompanied by very little 

 scientific or systematic definition, and perhaps, as is 

 natural in such a case, has been used by a subsequent 

 writer with a different application ; yet in the course of 

 time it has been found that sufficient general assent has 

 been given to some one application of the name ; and 

 that this has thus become extremely useful for purposes 

 of reference and for preserving the continuity of syste- 

 matic zoology during a number of generations. It may 

 be admitted that the treatment of generic names has 

 been unsystematic and loose, even, as some would say, 

 unjust ; but it is equally true that consciously or un- 

 consciously a process of natural selection has been at 

 work, and that certain generic names have come to be 

 generally adopted so as to be undoubtedly an aid to 

 reference and an assistance in making ourselves mutually 

 comprehensible. 



This practical settlement is not, however, accepted by 

 a few nomenclatorial specialists ; and some of those who 

 have drawn up systematic catalogues have ignored the 

 general opinion, and endeavoured to alter the application 

 of some of the commonest names. By their desire to 

 make their catalogue on some exact principle, their 

 insight has been obscured to such an extent as to render 

 them blind to the inconvenience caused to the rest of the 

 w^orld by the inevitable confusion thus introduced. So 

 that they have not only made changes, but have 

 frequently made them in a manner calculated to create 



TRANS. ENT. SOC. LOND. 1886. — PART II. (JUNE). 



