1NSECTA,

BY

DR. W. F. ERICKSON.

The inconsiderate and arbitrary mode of constructingnames in all departments of Zoology , which has prevailed soextensively and increasingly, especially in France andEngland, has become too general an evil not to have excitedconsideration. Attempts consequently have been madesimultaneously by two parties, with the view of obviatingthe mischief thence arising, and if possible of putting anend to it.

In. England a committee of Zoologists was formed for the effecting of thisobject, whose propositions are given in the ‘ Report of the 12th Meeting ofthe British Association for the Advancement of Science,’ held at Manchesterin June 1812—Lond. 1843, pp. 105-121; and which were also published inthe ‘Annals of Natural Hist.’ xi, p. 259. These propositions con-sist—1. In rules for rectifying the present nomenclature. 2. Recom-mendations for the correct formation of new names (for improving thenomenclature in future). Generally speaking, the plan is very judicious,but, to me, it appears defective in not going back to Linnams, who was thefather of modern nomenclature, and has given the rules for it in the‘ Philosophia Botanical The rules as well as the nomenclature are essen-tially the same for both the organic kingdoms, and their application as theyare exhibited in the Phil. Botan. to Zoology , is extremely simple.

The principal cause, moreover, of erroneous nomenclature, is to be referredto the circumstance that the givers of the names are deficient in the neces-sary knowledge of the languages, to such an extent, even, as to be ignorantof the Greek alphabet, and under such circumstances it is hardly to be ex-pected that the labours of the English Zoological Committee will be suc-cessful.