GENERAL PRINCIPLES, 



9 



When a part or a property is not distinctly evolved^ or is 

 not seen, we say that it is ohsoletus inconspicuus. 



5. Smaller variations of form are expressed by diminutive 

 terminations; by the termination dides in Greek adjectives^ 

 or by the preposition sub. This latter syllable particularly is 

 put before the word, where the property or organ is not 

 found every where in the same degree. We thus use the 

 phraseyo^iwm subdentatunt, where the teeth in many positions 

 ai*e not observable, or pass into the smooth margin. The ex- 

 pressions hirsutiusculus, acutiusculus, oltusiusculus^ are also 

 frequently used ; as also are not imfrequently rhizdides^ caly^ 

 cdides. 



6. When the property is present in a higher degree, we com- 

 monly use the superlative ; by which means, all particles ex- 

 pressive of abundance, as, valde, max'ime, insigniier, are 

 avoided. We thus say, integerrimus, spinosiesimus, acidea^ 

 tissimuSf glaberrimus. 



7. The intermediate condition between two varying forms 

 is frequently expi*essed by the compounding of two adjec- 

 tives; thus, ohlongo-lanceolatus^ repando-dentatus, palmato- 

 lobatus. But we fail in these compositionSj when we put to- 

 gether words which exclude each other, which are co-ordinate, 

 and are therefore self-evident. Elliptico-lanceolatus involves 

 a contradiction ; because the lanceolate-shaped leaf is pointed, 

 and the elliptical is symmetrically rounded at both ends. 

 Puhescenti'liirtellus involves a contradiction, and, at the same 

 tinie, expresses subordinate ideas of the same class ; because 

 hirtus denotes long stiff hairs : liirtellus is therefore a non- 

 entity ; but pubescenti-hirtellus is self-evident, and piibescens 

 alone were sufficient. 



8. When we would express the reversed form of an organ , 

 we usually put the syllable oh before the adjective : thus, ob- 

 ovatus, obcordatuSj are very common. Oblanceolatus can 

 scarcely be permitted, because the positive term spatliulatus 

 is more definite. When an organ has the external shape of 

 another organ, without actually fulfilling the same purpose^ 

 or even without having the same structure, we usually design 

 nate it as spurium : we thus say, aniherce spurioc of Tradescaiv 



