Taxonomy is divisible into three parts: (1) classification, (2) nomenclature, (3) identification. There are rules of nomenclature but none for classification or identification. Six principles are postulated for classification of bacteria and three ways of making identifications are discussed. Both classification and identification depend on characterization of the bacterium, but each makes different use of the individual feature. In classification equal weight is given to each independent character; in identification characters are weighted, some as important (distinguishing), others less so. Exception is taken to the retroactive application of the rules of nomenclature, and the unrealistic starting date (1753) of bacterial nomenclature is criticized. Names act merely as labels and it is suggested that a sequential code should be used, not only as a substitute for a name, but as a means of conveying information about the characters of the organism.
Bergey’s Manual of Determinative Bacteriology (1923-57), Seven editions., 1. 1923, 2. 1926, 3. 1930, 4. 1934, 5. 1939, 6. 1949, 7. 1957 Baltimore: Williams and Wilkins Company;
BrownH. C.,
DuncanJ. T.,
HenryT. A.1924; The fermentation of salts of organic acids as an aid to the differentiation of bacterial types. J. Hyg., Camb 23:1
CumminsC. S.,
HarrisH.1956; The chemical composition of the cell wall in some Gram-positive bacteria and its possible value as a taxonomic character. J. gen. Microbiol. 14:583
StolpH.,
StarrM. P.1963; Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus gen. et sp.n., a predatory, etoparasitic, and bacteriolytic microorganism. Antonie van Leeuwenhoek 29:217
Topley & Wilson’s Principles of Bacteriology and Immunity, Five., 1. 1929, 2. 1936, 3. 1946, 4. 1955, 5. 1964 London: Edward Arnold;
WetphalO.,
KauffmannF.,
LuderitzO.,
StierlinH.1960; Zur Immunchemie dr O-Antigene von Enterobacteriaceae. III. Analyse der Zuckerbausteine kreuzragierender Salmonella-Arizonaund Escherichia-O-Antigene. Z. Bakt. 1 Abt. Orig 1′9:336
WinslowC.-E. A.,
BroadhurstJ.,
BuchananR. E.,
KrumwiedeC.Jr.,
RogersI. A.,
SmithG. H.1917; The families and genera of the bacteria: preliminary rport of the Committee of the Society of American Bacteriologists on characterization aid classification of bacterial types. J. Bact 2:505
WinslowC.-E. A.,
BroadhurstJ.,
BuchananR. E.,
KrumwiedeC.Jr.,
RogersI. A.,
SmithG. H.1920; The families and genera of bacteria. Final report of the Gmmittee of the Society of American Bacteriologists on characterization and classifration of bacterial types. J. Bact. 5:191