174 Rules for Zoological Nomenclature. 



require a different set of rules from names which are given 

 for the first time. 



Founding new institutions, and amending old ones, are two very different 

 things ; and what is desirable in the one case, is not always so in the other. 

 We will therefore consider, 



First, Rules which relate to established Nomenclature. 



3. The discoverer of a species, or the founder of a higher 

 division, has the best right to give it a name. 



The person whose industry or study establishes a new group or 

 species is commonly the best judge of a suitable appellation for it; yet, 

 even should he fail in this point, it is only fair that, if his group be adopted, 

 the name which he has proposed for it should be retained. Therefore, 



4. The Jirst name given to a group or species should be 

 perpetually retained. {JVesfwood, Fabricius, &c.) 



This law is subject to the following exceptions; and, in my opinion, to 

 no others : — 



5. A name is to be expunged which, if specific, has before 

 been given to some other species in the same genus ; or, if of 

 a higher order, has before been given to some other group. 

 (Stsoainson, &c.) 



6. A name may be expunged whose meaning is false, as 

 applied to the object or group which it represents. (C. T. 

 Wood, &c.) 



Yet, in some few cases, where a name, though false, does not really 

 mislead, it should be retained, if long established. (See Mag. Nat. Hist., 

 Vol. I. p. 130. n. s ) 



7. A name may be expunged which has never been clearly 

 defined. (Sti-ainson.) 



Unless a group is defined by description or figures when the name is given, 

 it cannot be recognised by others ; and the signification of the name is con- 

 sequently lost. On this ground, many of Dr. Leach's genera were justly 

 expunged, as they existed only in his. own MSS. Many collectors of shells 

 and fossils are in the habit of labelling those species which they do not 

 find described, with names of their own invention ; but, unless they pub- 

 lish descriptions of these new species, they cannot expect these names to 

 stand. 



These are the rules which concern established names. We 

 will consider, 



Secondly, Rules to be observed in naming ?iew Species or 



Groups. 



A. General Rules which apply to Classes, Orders, Tribes, Families, 

 Genera, and Species. 



8. A new group must have a new name, which has never 

 before been given to any other group in zoology or botany. 



