Abstract
PART I of this monograph, reviewed in NATURE of January 29, 1938, dealt with the species of Dioscorea which twine to the left. The distribution of Part 2, treating of those that twine to the right, has been delayed, and under existing conditions this delay is indefinite. The portion of it now under review contains only the final summary and no systematy. In view of the delay in publication, advance separates of this summary have been obtained by the authors for presentation to institutions specially interested in biogeography. It presents thirty-five tables analysing in detail the distribution of the species described (147 in all) over the oriental range of the genus. A short but necessary discussion on “the meaning of the word species” defines the position adopted by the authors towards this vexed subject. It is followed by an exhaustive ‘retrospect’ in which is expounded an account of the systematic study and exploratory research devoted to the genus in the past, with particulars of the authors and collectors who have contributed to knowledge of the group. That there is still much to be elucidated is evident from thorough investigations under the title “Estimate of the Imperfection of Present Knowledge”.
An Account of the Genus Dioscorea in the East
Part 2: The Species which twine to the Right; with Addenda to Part 1, and a Summary. By D. Prain I. H. Burkill. (Annals of the Royal Botanic Garden, Calcutta, Vol. 14, Part 2.) Pp. 425–528. (Alipore: Bengal Government Press, 1939.)
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Biology. Nature 144, 895 (1939). https://doi.org/10.1038/144895b0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/144895b0