The publication of this volume marks a turning point in the history of phylogenetic nomenclature. The period prior to this publication can be considered the initial phase in the development of phylogenetic nomenclature during which the general approach was proposed and its basic theory (principles and methods) articulated. The methods of phylogenetic nomenclature were first put into practice during this initial phase, but only unofficially, given that a governing code was still in the process of being developed. Tis early phase also served as a trial through which the consequences of the methods were examined and evaluated and the methods modified and refined accordingly. Now, with the publication of the International Code of Phylogenetic Nomenclature (PhyloCode) and Phylonyms: A Companion to the PhyloCode, phylogenetic nomenclature is moving out of this "test" phase to become a formal and fully functional system of nomenclature.
