On Sat, 6 Jul 2002 10:51:04, James Rohde <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: >However, if you're running an email client which supports HTML, you >are susceptible to some virii that way
Dear Listers, I've seen the term "virii" used now and then on these lists, and as a professional virologist (of the biological variety), I feel I must speak up. The plural of "virus" is "viruses". Nowhere do we use the term "virii". Virology is rather at the forefront of modern biological nomenclature, where we prefer to use meaningful, accessable terminology, and eschew the latin binomial system as inappropriate to our purposes (while not disputing its usefulness in other biological kingdoms). As a result, we do not try to latinize the nomenclature, preferring to keep it simple. The "H" in "HIV" stands for "Human", not "Homo sapiens" Immunodeficiency Virus. I recognize that computer engineers and programmers are merely using the term "virus" as a metaphor for these troublesome programs, and are free to name them what they will. But since I must believe that engineers and programmers would rather employ accurate metaphor over pretentious satire in their vernacular, I humbly suggest that the term "virii" be dropped. --Jim. "A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds, adored by little statesmen and philosophers and divines." --Ralph Waldo Emerson -- G-Books is sponsored by <http://lowendmac.com/> and... Small Dog Electronics http://www.smalldog.com | Refurbished Drives | -- Check our web site for refurbished PowerBooks | & CDRWs on Sale! | Support Low End Mac <http://lowendmac.com/lists/support.html> G-Books list info: <http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-books.html> --> AOL users, remove "mailto:"; Send list messages to: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To unsubscribe, email: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> For digest mode, email: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subscription questions: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Archive: <http://www.mail-archive.com/g-books%40mail.maclaunch.com/> Using a Mac? Free email & more at Applelinks! http://www.applelinks.com
