What is there in a Name? why Change

In this paper the author has attempted to briefly discuss the various reasons why botanical names change so frequently. Synonymous plant names have been a source of trouble and confusion ever since plant names were given. This confusion has harassed botanists and cultivators alike, but the botanists have been the more sorely tried, in as much as they concern themselves with all sort of plant life whereas cultivators' interests are limited. There is, therefore, a widespread and legitimate dissatisfaction among professional botanists, foresters and others interested in the study of plants that plant names, both generic and specific, change much too often and has given rise to the common but erroneous idea that systematists have as their main object the upsetting of well established names. It is rather disheartening to find that the old familiar names by which a particular plant may have been known from ages is suddenly shifted to another genus or within the genus changes the specific name. This dissatisfaction has given rise to the demand from some quarters, particularly foresters and horticulturists, that an International Botanical Congress issue a list of Nomina Specifica Conservanda similar to the one already in existence for generic names. Up to the present, however, all International Botanical Congresses have refused to accede to this petition; such a step would interfere with the free progress of botanical science. The author further discusses in some detail the Rules of Botanical Nomenclature which govern the procedure for naming of plants. Finally he ends the paper by an earnest appeal to all Indian Botanists to study the Code carefully and become conversant with its provisions so that they individually and the Country may reap the honour of their discoveries.