Taxonomy aims to structure relationships among diverse organisms in order to provide a broader understanding of Nature than is afforded by consideration of organisms in isolation. Since biological systems are shaped by evolution, which is not influenced by the human desire to impose order, any taxonomical scheme is bound to be incomplete and to some extent arbitrary. The criteria applied are necessarily confined to what is technically possible, and thus taxonomy has an important historical component. In addition, taxonomy develops conservatively, since striving for the ideal must be tempered by the need to maintain utility. It is also an unfortunate fact that taxonomy provides fertile soil for debate among a few but is of little interest to most. However, it is beyond dispute that the setting of herpesviruses in a taxonomical framework is vital for understanding the origins and behavior of this fascinating family of organisms.
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