BioConcepts

homomorphismHomomorphismus (ger.)

• The condition of being homomorphic; resemblance of form, esp. without real structural affinity. (OED 2011)
  category homology

  1835

  the homogeneity which attends homomorphism, i.e. the similarity of quality which in general is associated with similarity of form, in the majority of cases not extending to larger groups than are here called types and sections

  Burnett, G.T. (1835). Outlines of Botany, 2 vols.: II, 263; cf. 985.

  1835

  it has been shown that plants, not specifically the same, if they have the same general structure, are possessed of the same general properties. On this discovery is built the doctrine of homomorphism, one of the most important advances made in modern botany; for, from the ascertained properties of a few known plants, the qualities may be safely predicated of multitudes that are unknown.

  Burnett, G.T. (1835). Introductory to the course of botanical demonstrations. London Medical and Surgical Journal 7, 457-463: 461.

  1866

  Griffel bei allen Individuen von gleicher Länge. (Homomorphismus.)

  Alefeld, F. (1866). Landwirthschaftliche Flora: 102.

  1870

  Homomorphism subsists between the Polyzoa and the Hydroida.

  Nicholson, H.A. (1870). A Manual of Zoology for the Use of Students: 233.

  1872

  Many examples are known, both in the animal and the vegetable kingdom, in which families widely removed from one another in their fundamental structure, nevertheless present a […] close resemblance. For this phenomenon the term ‘homomorphism’ has been proposed, and such forms are said to be ‘homomorphic’.

  Nicholson, H.A. (1872). Introduction to the Study of Biology: 50-1.