XI. GENEALOGY. 177 



from those on winch their present nomenclature is con- 

 fusedly edified. 



I have already in some measure given the reasons for 

 this change ; * but I feel that, for the sake of those 

 among my scholars who have laboriously learned the ac- 

 cepted names, I ought now also to explain its method 

 more completely. 



2. I call the present system of nomenclature confusedly 

 edified, because it introduces, without, apparently, any 

 consciousness of the inconsistency, and certainly with 110 

 apology for it, names founded sometimes on the history 

 of plants, sometimes on their qualities, sometimes on their 

 forms, sometimes on their products, and sometimes on 

 their poetical associations. 



On their history as ' Gentian ' from King Gentius, 

 and Fuiikia from Dr. Funk. 



On their qualities as ' Scrophularia ' from its (quite 

 uncertified) use in scrofula. 



On their forms as the ' Caryophylls ' from having 

 petals like husks of nuts. 



On their products as ' Cocos nucifera ' from its nuts 



And on their poetical associations, as the Star of 

 Bethlehem from its imagined resemblance to the light of 

 that seen by the Magi. 



3. Now, this variety of grounds for nomenclature 

 might patiently, and even with advantage, be permitted, 



* See Introduction, pp. 5-8. 



