On the importance of being a secondary type

[Robert Raven]

On Tue, 27 Feb 1996, Tom Hollowell wrote:

> We can only conclude that if Microsoft does not provide male and female
> symbols then allotypes clearly do not exist.
>
I must have missed something here. I'm using OS/2 Warp and I get male and
female symbols in DOS, Windows & OS/2 wordprocessors under Warp.

So I know I am allowed to have allotypes.

Frivolity aside, a more significant question has arisen in this thread.
It is the value/significance of designating more than an allotype as a
secondary type.

I have been involved with a major World Heritage declaration and an
intergovernmental brawl and it is now quite clear that if an area
has provided even secondary types, it has far greater significance in a
debate about whether the area is protected and this has been recognised
by leglistation in Australia. So, much as designation of many secondary
types may be a pain, the nett effect can be beneficial.

 Dr Robert J. Raven Museum Scientist (Arachnology)
Queensland Museum, Grey St, South Brisbane, 4101, Q.
Queensland Museum, PO Box 3300, South Brisbane, 4101, Q.
Australia

Phone: 61-7-38407698 or 61-18-748 467 (24 hour)
Fax: 61-7-3846 1918