336 
Mohs’ System of Crystallograpliy 
useful linowledge from those sciences themselves^ hut also to un- 
derstand and, distinguish the objects from which we have ac- 
qimrd it. 
III. Nomenclature. 
1. Nomenclature exhibits the scientific condition cf Mine- 
ralogy . — In every department of natural history, nomenclature 
is a mirror in which the whole science is represented. The 
image which this mirror reflects back upon mineralogy, has so 
few charms, that it seems to have repelled zoologists and bota- 
nists from studying the productions of inorganic nature ; al- 
though such persons, from their peculiar pursuits, would have 
been completely prepared, and well fitted for the investigation. 
2. Why it has not been improved . — The discontent with our 
existing systems of mineralogical nomenclature is universal. 
This feeling has not, however, produced any advantageous con- 
sequences. Names only have been altered without the prin- 
ciple being improved ; and no result has followed from this pro- 
cedure, but an almost ' intolerable synonimy, which is certainly 
a negative advantage. 
3. What it must accomplish . — In natural history, nomencla- 
ture has two purposes to fulfil : The first is to provide every 
species with a name ; the second to indicate, by means of that 
name, the natural historical relation and connection, in which it 
stands to one or more other species, 
4. Nomenclature must be systematic . — The general expression 
of that natural historical relation, in which the species of natu- 
ral productions stand to each other, is the natural system. No- 
menclature in natural history must, therefore, be systematic, in 
other words, it must arrange itself according to some system, 
and express the connection in which the different species of na- 
tural productions stand to each other in that system. 
5. Trivial Nomenclature . — A nomenclature which is not 
systematic, bears the name of trivial nomenclature. A trivial 
nomenclature may indeed subsist with, but not without, the 
systematic nomenclature ; because it fails to satisfy one of the 
requisite (3.), and that the most important requisite, of na- 
tural history. 
