Marcus Coltro wrote:
>
> Too bad I didn't read all messages on this subject.  A long time I
> didn't read something so funny!
>
> I always wondered how come people thinking to collect seriously would
> memorize common names instead of correct names. I never bothered to
> memorize any of them and I agree with most of you: it is a waste of
> time.
>
> I do try to recognize the names when someone order a shell using
> common names, but sometimes it is very difficult to understand what
> they need.
>
> My oppinion is: if you wish to collect shells seriously, memorize the
> correct names. If you prefer to know only local names used by
> fisherman or kids, then put the shells nicely displayed  on a jar...

In most fields, scientists are able to switch easily between scientific
and common names. Disdain for common names seems to be peculiar to
malacology, and among malacologists it seems to be a badge of "serious"
collecting versus the kind that puts a smile on yer face.

The buyer of a specimen, whether it is a conch or an azalea, is wise to
know and use the scientific name. It happens that some of my best
friends are fishermen or kids (some are both!) and I speak their
language as well.

Bilingualism is not a sin.