1831 Sept. 23

Language

Speculative

Parts of Speech

A Verb - its Elements

II. Number

By /a/ Numbers is understood

By /a/ Gender is understood

Different languages are excepted with reference to the above modifications defined[?] [...?] by which the language in question is rendered applicable with less advantage to the needs, uses, and purposes of language.

In the Greek language to a set of words expressive of the plural numbers - that is to say they render greater than one, is[?] included,[?] a set of words expressive of two only, and not of any greater number. As well might be a set of words expressive of three only, neither[?] expression of five only: and so on without end.

In the Greek language again, besides being attributed to subject-matters in which the distinctions of sex have place, that is to say most sorts of animals, sex is attributed to subject-matters in which that same distinction has not place.

In the Greek, and thence also in the Latin language which to so large a portion is derived from it.

In the Latin, and thence in so many modern European languages which have been derived from it: and may be considered, in a manner as a sort of dialects of it: Thence[?] are 1. the Italian. 2. the Spanish. 3. the Portuguese: 4. the French.