SPECIES. 151 



of the genus Homo. This opinion, however, is now gene- 

 rally abandoned. 



When it is intended to give a correct and complete deli- 

 neation of the character of a species, it is necessary to at- 

 tend to the following circumstances : 



1. Specific Name. This is intended to be used along 

 with the name of the genus, to distinguish it from the other 

 species with which it may be combined *. It is, therefore, 

 usually an adjective, in concord with the name of the genus 

 as a substantive ; and expresses some circumstance connect- 

 ed with colour, form, habits, station, or distribution. Size 

 is seldom resorted to as furnishing a name, in consequence 

 of the absence of a fixed standard, and the terms magus, 

 minus, parvus, and others of the same kind, are therefore 

 seldom employed. 



In some cases, the specific name is a substantive, and oc- 

 curs either in the nominative or genitive case, and without 

 reference to the gender of the name of the genus. This want 

 of concord happens, when a species has been long known by 

 a distinct appellation, and when this is employed in science as 

 its specific name. Thus, in the genus Turdus, while one spe- 

 cies is distinguished in the ordinary manner, viz. T. torqua- 



The names of the different divisions, as Species, Genera, and Classes, 

 are expressed, by universal consent, in the Latin language. They are either 

 derived directly from that language or from the Greek, in which latter case 

 they obtain a Latin termination. Provincial names are excluded as barba- 

 rous. These are frequently difficult to pronounce, harsh in their sound, and 

 can scarcely admit of a Latin termination. Where they are not liable to such 

 objections, they may be occasionally suffered, yet, for the sake of uniformity , 

 they should be used sparingly. 



