1826 Oct. 23

Language

Ch.│ │ Properties desirable

The properties desirable in language in general are the properties desirable on the part of the aggregate of the several portions of the matter of language employed or employable in the scant[?] occasions to useful purpose by the aggregate of the several individuals of which the human species is composed in the pursuit of their respective /the aggregate/ objects of desire, or say instruments and means of happiness - that is to say of pleasure in all its shapes and exemption for pain in all its shapes.

Reference had to whatever purpose and the occasion, the properties desirable will be found referable to these several heads; to wit

1. Clearness.

2. Correctness.

3. Comprehensiveness: in respect of the extent of their words and combinations of words employed.

4 Conciseness.

5. Copiousness: in respect of the number of words and combination of words at common[?] and employed accordingly.

Considered in respect of its subservicency to its purposes of discourse. A mass of language in use in any community may be considered with reference to the demands either of those who are already in the habit of making use of it, or of those who not being in possession of that habit, are desirous of acquiring it.

Considered with reference to the demands of this class of persons - of persons thus circumstanced, another property which it presents as desirable in it is termed [...?] Discibility[?] - facility of being learnt.

This property as will be seen is not in the direct but in the inverse rate of copiousness: in respect of words of certain classes.

[Attached sheet]

Conjugates - Prefixes.

1. Non-

2. Quasi-

3. Vice-

4. Ex- functioning Female[?]

5. Sub-

6. Super-

7. Anti

8. Part-and-parcel

9. Son-in-law, &c.