Kluyver, A. J. and van Niel, C. B. 1936.
Prospects for a natural system of classification of bacteria.
Zentralblatt fu\*:r Bakteriologie, Parasitenkunde und
Infektionskrankheiten II.:369-403
p. 369-70
"Naturally, the only truly scientific foundation of classification is to be
found in appreciation of the available facts from a phylogenetic point of
view. Only in this way can the natural interrelationships of the
various bacteria be properly understood. It has to be admitted at once that,
inasmuch as the course of phylogeny will always remain unknown, the
basis of a true phylogenetic system of classification will be very unstable
indeed. On the other hand it cannot be denied that the studies in
comparative morphology made by botanists and zoologists have made
phylogeny a reality. Under these circumstances it seems appropriate to
accept the phylogenetic principle also in bacteriological classification.
“A true reconstruction of the course of evolution is the ideal of every
taxonomist"
“In our opinion the binomial nature of nomenclature accentuates the
demand that genera be systematic units which are characterized as
well by a more or less complete morphological homogeneity as by a
fundamental agreement in metabolic properties. This means, of course,
that for the distinction of species within a genus only characters of
secondary importance, such as biometric constants, hydrolytic abilities,
etc etc etc. can be applied."
‘’
"A revolution in the principles of bacterial taxonomy was brought
about in the years 1908 and 1909 by the appearance of Orla-Jensen's
publications. ... For the first time the classification of the bacteria was
based mainly on the physiological characters. The idea underlying the
proposed system is a phylogenetic one. …
"The system has the great merit that it is built upon a sound evaluation
of what is fundamental in the various [physiological] characters …
…. "In spite of the criticisms given we want to emphasize that in our
opinion Orla-Jensen's contribution to systematics … marks a milestone
in the development of bacterial taxonomy."
----------------------------------van Niel, C. B. 1949. The "Delft school" and the rise of general
microbiology.
Bacteriol. Revs. 13:161-174.
[The article is a tribute to Kluyver. van Niel talks of Kluyver's
originating the concept and practice of comparative biochemistry,
and of Beijerinck's originating bacterial ecology (through inventing
enrichment cultures). However, he never mentions "natural
relationships" (or his and) Kluyver's work thereon).]
"... there are remarkably few comparative studies.
The result is that the application of the newer adjuncts of morphology
for taxonomic purposes entails generalization from limited cases"
(Murray, 1962; pg 116), SGM symposium XII (1962) "Microbial
Classification" pg 116-144.
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