1831 Sept. 29

Language

Introduction Preface or Beginning

Ch. 1 Language in general

§2 Ends in view

In this view, travelling in idea over the whole field of language, I have looked into every part of it, for the purpose of seeing whether I could not in some way, and if yes in what way, make addition to the quantity of happiness actually derived from the application of this instrument: or in other words, to the use made of it.

Any use made of this instrument will have for its efficient cause addition made to one or other of the {desirable} properties which in a degree proportioned to the use capable of being made of it, will be seen to belong to it: in so much as that if any addition be given to the quantity of the use at present made of it, it will be causing it to possess one or more of these same properties in a greater degree than at present.

{But, before it can be clearly understood what these properties are, it will be necessary to bring to view three different occupations in which the word language is in use to be employed.}