ICZN Workshop (original posted to NHM Staff)

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Date: Wed, 11 Oct 1995 14:20:01 +0100
From: "Rony Huys" <R.Huys@nhm.ac.uk>
Subject: ICZN Workshop
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                        FLORAS AND FAUNAS WORKSHOP

                                   ON

              - INTERNATIONAL CODE OF ZOOLOGICAL NOMENCLATURE -

     The International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature is proposing a
new edition of the Code which regulates the scientific names of all animal
taxa. A draft of the Code has been issued recently and the ICZN is inviting
comments from taxonomists and others worldwide. The proposed new edition
presents a thoroughly revised Code but in contrast to previous editions
contains some drastic and controversial changes and in many cases leaves
the individual to a "Do It Yourself" approach.
     Being one of the major research institutions in the world, the Museum
is obviously in a special position to have a major input in shaping
the new edition, provided that its scientists show sufficient interest. In
particular a Museum-wide response would be highly rated by the Commission.
The new edition of the Code will take us into the next century and form a
most significant input to a unified "Code of Bionomenclature" (Animals,
Plants and Bacteria) which is being discussed for names of the future
(i.e. those established in the next century). It is therefore stressed that
the meeting (see below) is not intended exclusively for zoologists but
represents a unique opportunity for exchange of ideas and experience
between scientists of Entomology, Palaeontology and Zoology (and indeed
Botany!).
     As the Secretariat of ICZN is located at the Museum it is intended to
have an informal one-day seminar in the Museum in order to discuss the
changes. This will be organized by the Floras and Faunas Steering Committee
and the Commission's Secretary (Dr Philip Tubbs) will be there, both to
give explanations and to receive our input. The meeting is planned for the
end of November (24 or 28). The working agenda would centre primarily
around the draft but the seminar would also serve as a forum for discussion
about any other issues which could remove ambiguity or bring clarification
in the Code.
     The major changes in the new edition are highlighted in the
explanatory notes which are available via Gopher and WWW. People interested in
receiving a copy of the whole draft on paper (ca. 30 pp) before the meeting
should contact R. Huys. Please let me know (a) if you are likely to come, and
(b) which day (Nov. 24 or 28) would suit you best. I will circulate details
shortly in the light of your replies.

Further details can be found via Gopher :

        Science Information/
                ICZN Floras and Faunas Workshop/

and via WWW :

        http://www.nhm.ac.uk/iczn

Rony HUYS

Crustacea Research Group
Department of Zoology
The Natural History Museum
Cromwell Road, LONDON, SW7 5BD.

phone: ++44 (0) 171 938 9186
fax:   ++44 (0) 171 938 9158
internet: r.huys@nhm.ac.uk



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Norman MacLeod
Senior Scientific Officer
N.MacLeod@nhm.ac.uk (Internet)
N.MacLeod@uk.ac.nhm (Janet)

Address: Dept. of Palaeontology, The Natural History Museum,
         Cromwell Road, London, SW7 5BD

Office Phone: 0171-938-9006
Dept. FAX:  0171-938-9277
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