description in chinese papers

[christian thompson]

As to the problem of new scientific names published in "obscure" sources or
in Chinese or any other language, the International Code of Zoological
Nomenclature (4th edition) is clear, but not helpful.

If the work is "printing on paper," and is "obtainable" and of an "edition"
of "numerous" and "durable" copies, then the taxonomic content therein is
available. Language is irrelevant.

The catch is that the words "obtainable," "numerous," and "durable" are not
defined*.  As a member of the editorial committee I can tell you "numerous,"
simply means more than TWO, and we never debated the meaning of "obtainable"
nor "durable."

So, in essences any one any where who can generate THREE copies of work on
their laser printer can meet the current requirement for publication. Now if
you use a digital medium, like CD-ROM, then you must produce at least 5
copies which are deposited in "major publicly accessible libraries."

In short, the standard for works not printed on paper is much higher! And
what has happened with the advent of computers and laser printers or other
cheap printing technology is an new Era of in essence "private works" which
are not widely available nor indexed by the Zoological Record.  And the
working taxonomist is faced with an almost impossible task of finding all
the sources of names they must deal with.

And in conclusion, it should be noted that the Editorial Committee was
aware of this problem and tried to address it by requiring that publications
be indexed in the Zoological Record. Unfortunately, an apparent majority of
those expressing an opinion where against the new proposal, preferring the
current situation of any thing published anywhere whether the general
community is aware of it or not should be acceptable publication
(Uncertainity is better for nomenclature!)

*Also, the clause (Art. 8.1.1) of being issued for "public and permanent
scientific record" is not defined, but by action of the Commission, etc., is
interpreted as meaning if a scientist accept a publication then it is part
of the "public and permanent scientific record."  The recent controvestry
over the new species of dinosaur (Archaeoraptor) published in the National
Geographic Magazine bears this out! (And retrospectively, lots of names now
have been accepted as available from publication in newspapers, "gentlemen's
magazines," etc.)





F. Christian Thompson
Systematic Entomology Lab., ARS, USDA
Smithsonian Institution
Washington, D. C. 20560-0169
(202) 382-1800 voice
(202) 786-9422 FAX
cthompso at sel.barc.usda.gov
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