SGM Journals
Research Article

Taxonomic Note: V. B. D. Skerman (1921-1993), a Reforming Force in Bacterial Systematics and Nomenclature

SLY, L. I.

International Journal of Systematic Bacteriology 1995; 45(2):412 · https://doi.org/10.1099/00207713-45-2-412

Download PDF View at publisher

Summary auto-generated

This taxonomic note commemorates Professor V. B. D. Skerman (1921-1993), an influential Australian microbiologist who fundamentally reformed bacterial systematics and nomenclature. Skerman recognized early in his career that bacterial identification was hampered by poorly characterized species, excessive synonymy, and invalid nomenclature. Through his positions as Australian representative to the International Committee on Systematic Bacteriology (ICSB) and Chairman of the ICSB from 1966-1978, he drove major reforms including revision of the International Code of Nomenclature of Bacteria and publication of the Approved Lists of Bacterial Names in 1980. These reforms established orderly procedures for validating bacterial names and preventing future nomenclatural chaos. Beyond administration, Skerman maintained active research interests, describing new bacterial genera and species from freshwaters and soils, including chitinolytic gliding bacteria and predatory species. He also developed a widely-used micromanipulator for isolating novel microorganisms and published identification keys for Bergey's Manual. His contributions to bacterial systematics earned him numerous honors, including the Bergey Medal in 1993.

Key findings

  • Skerman spearheaded comprehensive reforms of bacterial nomenclature and systematics, including revision of nomenclatural codes and publication of the Approved Lists of Bacterial Names in 1980
  • He established official procedures and statutes for recording, publishing, and validating new bacterial names through the ICSB and its Judicial Commission
  • Skerman described multiple new bacterial genera and species from natural freshwaters and soils, including predatory bacteria such as Saprospira and Herpetosiphon
  • He developed an innovative micromanipulator for isolating novel microorganisms that achieved worldwide adoption
  • His administrative reforms took decades to implement, with solutions he proposed in 1949 not realized until 1981 when a new starting date for bacterial nomenclature was adopted

This summary was generated automatically from the article PDF and is not part of the original publication. Refer to the PDF for the authoritative text.

Abstract

Professor V. B. D. Skerman made major contributions to the reform of bacterial systematics which are now in place and appreciated. He was the catalyst and a driving force for a series of reforms which led to the clarification of bacterial nomenclature. He reorganized the International Committee on Systematic Bacteriology and the Judicial Commission by persuading the members to accept and develop the statutes that govern their operations and also persuaded them to adopt a new starting date for bacterial nomenclature. The resulting revision of the International Code of Nomenclature of Bacteria and the publication of the Approved Lists of Bacterial Names under his direction leave a legacy of procedures for the orderly progress of bacterial taxonomy and nomenclature.