7. KINDS OF CLASSIFICATION—ARTIFICIAL AND NATURAL.
An artificial classification is one in which the grouping is made on the basis of some arbitrary connection. Cataloguing alphabetically the books in a library illustrates this kind of classification. Likewise the arrangement ofthe names in a directory or a telephone book. The connecting mark being the initial letter of the title or name. The reason why Mills and Meyers are put in the same group is that both names happen to commence with the letter M.
Artificial classifications are resorted to for some special purpose, designed by man, not by nature. Consequently artificial classifications are sometimes called special or working classifications.
A natural classification is one in which the grouping is made on the basis of some inherent mark of resemblance.
Classifications in animal and plant life are the best illustrations of this kind. Such classifications are suggested by nature and not by man, and may, therefore, be called general or scientific. The main aim of natural classification is to derive general truths and arrange knowledge so that it may be easily remembered.