Latin publication

[Richard Jensen]

JOSEPH E. LAFERRIERE wrote:

>
>
> The proposal to replace the Latin description with
> simultaneous publication in two or more languages sounds
> to me as if it might meet my concerns, provided that
> the list of acceptable languages is limited to no more
> than ten.

Seems to me this is exactly why there should be a requirement for
publication in a single acceptable language - which ten languages are
acceptable?  Using a criterion such as "spoken or used by at least 5% of
the World's population" provides a list that changes with time.

For most scientific writing, we adopt a set of standards that all must
adhere to.  We all use base 10 counting systems, we all use the metric
system for reporting various measurements, etc.  Why should we not have
a single acceptable language (and why not Latin) for publication of
scientific names?  Simultaneous publication in two of the acceptable
languages makes it a little more likely that all users will be able to
read one or the other, but a substantial number will still be left out
in the cold.  If two languages is a suitable criterion, then make one of
them Latin.  That way, all who do not read the other language are, in a
sense, treated the same - they all have access to a standard Latin
description.
--
Richard J. Jensen              TEL: 219-284-4674
Department of Biology      FAX: 219-284-4716
Saint Mary's College         E-mail: rjensen at saintmarys.edu
Notre Dame, IN  46556     http://www.saintmarys.edu/~rjensen