[uk-leps] Re: Times Jan 4 2000

[Stanley A. Gorodenski]

It sure seems it would be a whole lot easier to simply use the
scientific names.  They already exist and are standardized.  Just get
over the fear of latin names and apply oneself.  I have been told one
reason there are not more people interested in amateur astronomy is
because arab names for stars and other astronomical objects scare some
prospective amateurs away.  It appears (just an appearance now) the same
type of irrational aversion to scientific names for butterflies is
driving the move for common names, and to make them more complicated
than was ever intended.

Stan Gorodenski

"Chris J. Durden" wrote:
> 
> At 09:48  11/01/00 -0800, you wrote:
> >No-one has made the effort necassary to make common names consistent between
> >Britain/Europe and North America. There are a number of confusing
> >inconsistencies. However, these are COMMON names, names that are supposed to
> >be those used by common folk rather than scientists. So there is no reason
> >common names should be standardized between continents.
> - - -
>   The message that prompted this thread is good enough reason for us to
> have non-homonymous common names for butterflies world wide. We can have
> local or regiobal synonyms but homonyms no. Watchers and listers of
> butterflies are cosmopolitan and they will soon be demanding we remove the
> confusing homonyms, just as they do with birds.
>   I guess the 'Times' factfinder for pictures did a web search on the
> common name and came up with the wrong picture because of the homonym. This
> seems good enough reason to me.
> .......Chris
> - - -
> 
> I hope the mention
> >of senior/junior homonyms in relation to common names is a joke???? How
> >likely is there to be acceptance in North America to use "Small White"
> >instead of "Cabbage White" or "Cabbage Butterfly" in North America
> >(personally I would be happy to make the change, but only because I
> >understand the history of the names)?
> - - -
>   Me too. Another vote for understanding and education.
> .......  Chris
> 
> 
> 

-- 
If people knew how hard I had to work to gain my mastery, it wouldn't
seem wonderful at all.  -- Michelangelo