DISCUSSION OF THE SUBJECT OF NOMENCLATURE. 
GENERAL PRINCIPLES. 
§ I. Natural History cannot progress, nor can the study of its various 
branches be carried on and properly correlated, without a regular system 
in nomenclature which shall be recognized and employed by the majority 
of naturalists of all countries. (DC.) 
§ II. The rules for nomenclature must be impartial and founded on 
motives sufficiently clear and weighty to promote their general compre- 
hension and acceptance. (DC., B. A.) 
§ III. The essential principles in everything which relates to nomencla- 
ture are (1) the attainment of fixity in the designations for organized 
beings, (2) the avoidance of names or methods of applying names calcu- 
lated to result in errors or to throw science into confusion, and lastly (3) 
to avoid the unnecessary creation of names. (DC.) 
Other considerations, such as grammatical accuracy in the formation of names, their 
regularity or euphony, etc., are relatively less important. (DC.) 
§ IV. No usage conflicting with the rules and liable to introduce error 
or confusion can be maintained. When no grave objections of this na- 
ture are liable to be raised, it may happen that an ancient usage may be 
conserved without opposition, but all should carefully guard against the 
imitation or extension of such practices. In the absence of a rule, or if 
the application of the rules be doubtful, an established usage may be 
taken as a proper guide. (DC.) 
It is impracticable not to recognize a cei'tain right in usage , for, by the maintenance 
of familiar names and useful forms, clearness and precision are often gained. But it 
is never desirable to perpetuate a serious error for the small advantage of following a 
habit. (DC.) 
. § V. The principles and forms of nomenclature should be as similar as 
possible in Botany and Zoology. (DC.) 
The manner in which Botany and the different branches of zoology have reached 
their present state, being far from uniform, and the nature of the organisms treated of 
being dissimilar, an absolute identity in the application of nomenclature is impractica- 
ble even if it were wholly desirable. The fundamental principles, however, and the 
end to be attained, are the same in both branches of study. 
§ VI. Scientific names are of the Latin form or language. When taken 
from another language they are to be rendered in the manner of Latin 
words and take a similar termination. If translated into the vernacular 
for use in a popular or familiar manner the resemblance to the Latin orig- 
inal should be preserved as nearly as possible. (DC., B, A., Th., etc.) 
( 23 ) 
