BACTERIAL TAXONOMY (AN OVERVIEW)
The classic approach to the classification of bacteria is based on size and shape, later aided by reaction to Gram stain. As advances in microscope-making were made and simple biochemical tests became available, gradually the system became more refined. The science of taxonomy matured with the availability of the electron microscope and advances in molecular biology. Muller may have been the first biologist to attempt to classify bacteria in late 18th century, but his attempts were limited by lack of understanding of bacteria and crudeness of microscopes. Cohn, in late 19th century, made further advances, but serious attempts to classify bacteria were first made only in 20th century. Bergey’s Manual of Determinative Bacteriol- ogy was first published in 1923 and it instantly became the foundation of and the most authoritative source for bacterial taxonomy. Aided by inputs from the American Society for Microbiology, international societies for bacterial taxonomy and nomen- clature, and the International Journal of Systemic Bacteriology, Bergey’s manual has been greatly refined and its scope enlarged. Its 9th edition was published in 1994. Another remarkable contribution to bacterial taxonomy was made by the publication of Bergey’s Manual of Systematic Bacteriology, a five-volume set that examines bacterial taxonomy in greater detail. Students interested in bacterial taxonomy are encouraged to consult these highly authoritative sources.