− | Genus, pl. Genera (i.e., kind), is a term used in natural history to designate a group of species. As with species, so the genus is an indefinite conception, varying with the author The chief value of the conception is its use in aiding us conveniently to arrange and name plants and animals. The name of the genus is the first of the two words in the name of the plant: thus, in Brassica oleracea, Brassica designates the genus, and oleracea the particular Brassica of which we are speaking. It is difficult to trace the origin of the genus- conception in natural history, but it is usually ascribed to Konrad Gesner (Zurich, 1516-1565). L. H. B. | + | {{Inc|Genus, pl. Genera (i.e., kind), is a term used in natural history to designate a group of species. As with species, so the genus is an indefinite conception, varying with the author The chief value of the conception is its use in aiding us conveniently to arrange and name plants and animals. The name of the genus is the first of the two words in the name of the plant: thus, in Brassica oleracea, Brassica designates the genus, and oleracea the particular Brassica of which we are speaking. It is difficult to trace the origin of the genus- conception in natural history, but it is usually ascribed to Konrad Gesner (Zurich, 1516-1565). {{SCH}} |