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"priority," a Prophecy

J. H. Fleming

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In reviewing Tegetmeier's reprint of Boddaert's “Table des Planches Enluminees d’ Histoire Naturelle”, the late Edward Newman, writing in the “Zoologist” of May, 1875 (pp. 4438-9), referred to the “Law of Priority” in words that were prophetic fifty years ago, are true today, and unless scientific names are given the protection of a definite time limit of use, will be equally true fifty years hence. Mr. Newman, founder and for thirty-two years editor of the “Zoologist”, wrote with insight: “I am quite ready to admit the good intention, enterprise, industry,- aye, even the accuracy, of Mr. Tegetmeier's labours but I fail to see their utility, for supposing even or even two dozen names may be changed in deference to Boddaert's authority, as is very possible, it will be a matter of regret, rather than rejoicing, and will cause infinite labour to future compilers and infinite confusion to future students. The Law ‘of Priority,’ as explained by the British Association and worked out by restless nomenclators, is essentially a law of change. The task of name-altering, once begun, can never be ended; it is a pouring of water into vessels that have no bottom; it is the ascending of a tread-wheel that can revolve only on its own axis; it is the laborious manufacture of Dissolving ‘ Views.’"

Toronto, Canada, August 11, 1925

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