10 Nov r. 1815

Chrestomathia ? Language

IV. Noun[?]

The several properties of the first order which, with reference to all ends and on all occasions taken together, - are desirable in language, may therefore be thus enumerated.

1. Clearness.

2. Correctness.

3. Copiousness.

4. Conciseness.

5. Impressiveness.

6. Melodiousness.

The several properties of the second order, which in respect of their conduciveness but through the mediums each of them of one or more of the particular standing in the above list of primary properties, may be thus enumerated.

1. The relations expressed by it, expressed as much as may be by distinct words in contradistinction to modifications of other words.

In proportion as it is endowed with this property, a language may be termed a sparingly inflected language. Contrâ, a copiously inflected language.

A word being assumed as the basis or root of these several modifications, they will consist either of additions to, substractions from or changes of some one or more of the letters of the fundamental or radical word: thence 1. at the beginning. 2. at the end. 3. at any intermediate part.

All such modifications may be termed inflections.

 Add for another secondary property, Affording facility to the construction of composite words. - State the use of composite words.