Download Prometheus User Manual

Figure 21: Duplicate specimen warning message
At the bottom of the input window, a “Find” button is provided in order to allow the search of existing
specimens in the database. This avoids the input of duplicates. When some information is provided and
the “Find” button clicked, the database will search all specimens satisfying the search criteria (e.g.
herbarium and collection number), and display the results of the search in a new window (as in Figure
12).
2.5.2.
Change
Existing specimens can be modified if necessary (e.g. new information has been collected about the
specimen). In order to proceed to this edition, the taxonomist must click on the “Change Specimen”
button, and select the specimen to be changed in the list of all available specimens. When the changed
have been made, the modified specimen can be saved by clicking on the “Save” button, or the changes
discarded by clicking on the “Cancel” button.
2.5.3.
Delete
The deletion of specimens is a dangerous matter. Indeed, because specimens are used in the creation of
taxonomic names and in the creation of classifications, the deletion of a specimen might invalidate a
name (e.g. if the specimen is the type specimen of a species), or render Prometheus unable to name a
classification taxon because it no longer contain a type specimen. However, the deletion of specimens
is possible. When a taxonomist wants to delete a specimen, he can click on the “Change Specimen”
button, and select the specimen to be deleted. When the appropriate specimen is displayed, it can be
deleted by clicking on the “Delete” button. When the deletion order is sent, a confirmation message is
displayed in order to make sure that the taxonomist is aware of the risks of deleting a specimen. In
addition, if the specimen has been used in a classification or as a type, the message recommends to recalculate the names assigned to classification taxa (Figure 22). If the deletion is confirmed, the
specimen is deleted.
Figure 22: Specimen deletion warning
15/ 37