Compulsory Latin Diagnoses for Fossil Plants

Abstract

THE question whether descriptions of new species, genera, &c., of fossil plants should be accompanied in future by a diagnosis or diagnoses in Latin has been recently discussed among those who are working on fossil botany. It is not proposed here to enter into the arguments which have been advanced either for or against this proposition. It appears, however, that, so far as palæobotany is concerned, the arguments against the use of diagnoses in Latin are held far to outweigh those in favour of such diagnoses. In order to test current opinion on this point, a memorandum has been recently circulated by the writer among those who are engaged in the study of fossil plants in this country and in the United States, and by Prof. Nathorst in Sweden and Denmark. The object of the memorandum was to ascertain the present intentions of those working at fossil plants as regards this much disputed question. The result of this exchange of opinion has been very remarkable. Every palæobotanist in this country, in the United States, and in Scandinavia to whom a copy of the memorandum has been sent has expressed his intention of avoiding the general use of diagnoses in Latin, and, further, of recognising as valid diagnoses instituted in the future which are not published in Latin.