Note 4 — Chapter II · TOPOGRAPHICAL DESCRIPTION OF THE EXTERNAL PARTS OF FISHES.
Reading edition
In the formula generally preceding the description of a fish, “L. lat. 40,” would express that the scales between the head and caudal fin are arranged in 40 transverse series; and probably, that the lateral line is composed of the same number of scales. “L. transv. 8/5” would express that there are eight longitudinal series of scales between the median line of the back and the lateral line, and five between the lateral line and the middle of the abdomen.