Limnology

Abstract

As introduced by Prof. Forel, and widely accepted by scientific men in all countries, the term Limnology is applied to the science of lakes exactly as Oceanography is applied to the science of oceans. It is consequently with some surprise, and even a little shock, that I find a review in the current issue of NATURE headed “Limnology,” and dealing with the small organisms of drinking-water. These have been termed Limnoplankton by some writers; but treated from the practical point of view their study is surely not Limnology, and from any point of view only a very small part of it. When a scientific term is new and tender, it runs some risk of unintentional abuse which may impair its future usefulness; and I Would appeal to scientific writers not to allow Limnology to fall into the confusion which now attends physiography.