Dear Leech Scientists,
I would like to discuss the question how to name leech science. There are
several terms in the scientific literature. Currently it is generally agreed to
use the word hirudinology. It derives from the Latin word Hirudinea,
meaning leeches, and the Greek word logos, science. Sometimes
physicians using leeches in medicine employ the term hirudology. I
suppose these words are incorrect. Scientific terms should consist of parts
deriving from a single language, usually from Greek. For example we use
terms zoology (not 'animology'), entomology (not 'insectology'), herpetology
(not 'reptilology'), ornithology (not 'avology'). Thus the term hirudinology is
a chimerical word. Fortunately, there is a suitable but not frequent word.
Some zoologists and physicians have used the term bdellology. It is a
completely Greek word. 'Bdella' means a leech. The ending 'bdella' is
usually employed by leech taxonomists for new names of leech genera:
Phyllobdella, Pterobdella, Beringbedella, etc. I suggest using the word
bdellology. It is the most correct name for the most interesting science _
Best wishes,
Serge Utevsky
Dr. Serge Yu. Utevsky
Department of Zoology and Animal Ecology
V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University
Pl. Svobody, 4
Kharkov 61077
UKRAINE
Fax: +380572 43 33 96
<Serge.Yu.Utevsky at univer.kharkov.ua>
<http://www.univer.kharkov.ua/main/dep/biology/zoology/sutevsk.htm>
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