About 1.9 million species have names. We are delighted to note the passing of a milestone, as the Encyclopedia of Life, which we helped launch, now has passed the 1 million mark.
Encyclopedia of Life reaches historic ‘one million species pages …
‎Phys.Org – 11 May 2012
For some history, see
https://phe.rockefeller.edu/archives/388
https://phe.rockefeller.edu/archives/352
https://phe.rockefeller.edu/archives/386