ON ZOOLOGICAL NOMENCLATURE. 
15 
as 1745), and hence many naturalists have regarded the tenth edition as 
forming the most natural starting point. The system being of slow and 
intermittent growth, even with its originator, an arbitrary starting point 
is necessary. In the twelfth edition (1766-68), numerous changes and re- 
forms were instituted, and a number of his earlier specific names were 
arbitrarily changed. In fact, Linnaeus never seems to have regarded spe- 
cific names as subject to his rules. 
The last was recommended by the British Committee as the starting- 
o 
point. They have since, however, receded to the extent of admitting to 
recognition some ichthyological works printed between the dates of the 
tenth and twelfth editions. 
