14 Nov r. 1815

Chrestomathia

IV Nomenclature

The import of the word copula is the same in all languages. The import of the word verb is different in different languages. - In the copiously inflected languages it includes a much greater number of words than in the sparingly inflected languages.

In the import of the copula is included nothing more than the one just brought to view.

In the language of Grammarians, by the name of the verb substantive one verb is distinguished from all others; it may be termed the verb indicative, in which are contained indications of simple existence. In Latin the verb sum: in English the verb to be, for in Latin one of the many species of conjugates included under that complex denomination, in English another of those[?] species of conjugates, is employed as the name of the whole aggregate.

In every other verb throughout all its modifications, with the import of the copula is added the import of some name of a quantity. In the verb substantive, no such additional[?] has place: unless the objects designated by the words person, number, mood, tense, be regarded as capable of being included[?] under and designated by the word[?] quality.

(a) A sign designative of present time, is it to be considered as designative of a relation? Is [...?] the present the standard of all relation of time? The copula, it should seem, must be considered as including the designation of present time, unless in so far as intimation is given of the contrary.