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RECOMMENDATIONS.

Wrights Philosophical Grammar of the English Language. — To the numerous and important advantages of this work, it possesses the rare quality of being self-instructive, as well as communicable : by it, the branch of literature, usually denominated " English Grammar," heretofore in many respects rendered unintelligible by learned obscurity, (the ever accompanying result of immature conception,) is ingeniously simplified, and brought within the grasp of the most ordinary capacity. Those who desire a solid and permanent acquaintance with the philological subtleties of the English dialect, should possess this work. — The Peopled Press, Cork, Mar. 10, 1834.

We have seen Mr. Wright's Grammar of the English Language ; and, in justice to the author, we must say, that it deserves the patronage of the publick, and cannot fail to obtain it. Seldom, if ever, have we witnessed a more acute display of criticism than this book affords. Useful instruction, inculcated by moral precepts and appropriate examples, must be, in no small degree, interesting to youth. The work before us embraces both ; and we feel no hesitation in heartily recommending it to all persons desirous of important information on the subject of English Grammar. — Constitution, or Morning Post, May, 1824.

In perusing this book, we- are happy to find, that the author's specious pretensions are fully realized, and we congratulate the publick, on being able to recommend to their attention, a work so highly useful and instructive. We believe, few publications, perhaps none, on the subject of English Grammar, contain more acute observations and logical precision. We look for its general adoption in our schools. — Southern Reporter, May, 1824.

While examining the title-page, we confess, that nothing short of its splendid professions, could induce us to give the work a reading ; believing, as we then did, that an attempt of this nature, at the present advanced state of the English language, must be altogether fruitless. However, we have perused it, and have much satisfaction in announcing our error. We not only grrc our decided approbation of its superior merits, but feel also much pleasure in recommending it to those anxious for sterling knowledge on the peculiarities of our language. — Advertiser, May, 1834.

Skibbereen, Co. Cork, 12th May, 1825.

Dear Sir — I have great pleasure in complying with your request, so fay as it involves a desire to express my opinion on the merits of your production on the grammatical principles of our language.

I regret that my present position amongst the literary characters of the day, is not so conspicuous as I could desire, in order to add that importance to my decision which would do something like justice to your deserts in this instance.

I have read your book with much attention, and, I must add, with profit and delight. I do it but justice, when I say, that in my humble opinion, it must, if respectably published, supersede every thing of its kind. I shall feel happy, when it is published, to give it every support in my power ; and, as a foretaste of that intention, entreat you to enter my name for fifty copies. I am, dear Sir, your obedient servant,

Mr. J. W. Wright. t MICHAEL COLLINS, R. C. B., M. C.

Skibbereen School, Feb. 10, 1826.

Dear Sir — I am free to acknowledge, that on receipt of your English Grammar, I took it up under feelings ill calculated to enhance its value in my esteem. These feelings, I am bound to say, originated in the fixed convic. tion, that a subject so hackneyed by numerous writers, since the production of Mr. Murray's amended and enlarged edition, (without evincing, in anyone instance, that importance which would redeem the pretensions advanced) had already attained its standard point of perfection ; and that, consequently, further attempts, however well designed, would prove uninteresting, if not altogether nugatory.

With pleasure, I retract what I now clearly perceive is an untenable position ; and, I am of opinion, that your truly interesting work requires nought but circulation to be duly appreciated.

I am, dear Sir, your obedient servant,

Mr. J. W. Wright. THOMAS COOK, A. B. } T. C. D.

Throughout the eminently useful pages of this work, no jejune observations, or flippant sarcasms, on justly prostrated theories, present themselves ; ruo tiny or hypercritical captiousness, on popular productions ; (with respect to Inaccuracies of style) no labored or abstruse speculations, on obsolete or antique non-essentials; all seems energetick and ingenuous comment and criticism — the result of erudite and subtile research into the peculiarities of the language. In a word, the authors efforts fully sustain the professions set forth in the title of this admirable work. — Examiner, March, 1827.

We have seen this (Wright's) Grammar of the English Language ; and, with extreme pleasure, take leave to offer our humble opinion of its merits. Its intriusick worth, as a class-book, is, we are much gratified to observe, greatly enhanced by the introduction of a system of illustration, embodying moral and religious instruction- — a desideratum of incalculable importance, in all productions intended for the initiation of youth. Its title is not, in our esteem, more conspicuous for its professions, than its contents fully authorize. — Mercantile Chronicle, May, 1827.

To withhold our notice or approbation of this work, (which has been submitted for our inspection) would, we confess, be little short of injustice to its merits, which are of no common order. In offering our serious recommendation of its attentive perusal, to persons desirous of acquiring matured and intelligible views of the peculiarities and constructions of hitherto current and unsuspected modes of phraseology, we cannot avoid expressing our regret at discovering, that too much apathy towards an intimate acquaintance with the principles of grammar rules, prevails amongst persons otherwise well informed. This indifference, we opine, arises from an indulgence of some minds in the supposition, that a minute and critical knowledge of the modes of expressing thoughts, is unnecessary, provided that the substantial and more important matter of sentiment be intelligibly communicated. However, we take leave to repeat the opinion, that " so long as the improvement of the means of exchanging ideas shall be deemed an object worthy of the attention of the legislator, the philosopher, and the philanthropist; and, so long as improvements of this nature, though ever so trivial, tend to facilitate the transitions by which the mind passes from one subject to another, so Jong must an acquaintance with their modes of formation be more or less interesting to every individuaMn society. "—Herald, Aug. 3, 1836.

We have perused Mr. Wright's work on English Grammar, with much attention ; and we confess ourselves amply satisfied of its superiority, in every respect, to Lindley Murray y s, which is now considered the standard grammar of our language. The criticisms, though neither deficient m salt ner ucid } are given, throughout its pages, fn a spirit entirely divested of acrimony. In a word, we are afforded much pleasure, to be enabled to bestow our most unqualified approbation ©n this excellent work. — Standard, Sept. 1836.

Kensington T Oct. 24, 1S3& Sir— I am happy to perceive that your book sustains its important title; Such a work was much wanted. Your' ingenious strictures have reduced the subject of English Grammar to a complete science. Need I add, that 1 shall feel much gratified in adopting it in my sehool'.

Your very obedient servant, Mr. Wright. P. W. BARTON.

We, the undersigned, Teachers of Classical and English Literature, have examined Mr. Wright's Grammar of the English Language.. We feel ourselves compelled to acknowledge,, that the extensive improvements, the perspicuous arrangements, and truly judicious exiticims exhibited by the authoF, throughout his subject, claim our warmest support.. Conceiving that the tenor of this testimonial is best evinced by the expression of our determination to adopt this work as a general class-book in our respective establishments, we hereby pledge ourselves to this effects

Signed and done in Cork,. September 10th, 1836.

ROBERT RADCLIFFE, L.L.D.T.C.D. JOHN MORONEY, Prin. Mech. Ins;

THOS WIGMORE, A. B. T. C. D., Clk. ROBERT MOORE, M. & E. T.

HENRY J. O'BRIEN, A. B. T. C. D. JOHN DAVIS, M. & E. T.

MICHAEL HALY, Mat. & Eng. T. STEPHEN CUSSEN, M. & E. T.

DANIEL CASEY, M. & E. T. DAN'L O'CONNOR, M. & E. T.

JAMES H. O'BRIEN, Class. T. DAVID DOUGLAS, M. & E. T.

CALLAGHAN J.HASTINGS,M.&E.T. FRED'K BRANDON, M. & E. T.

JOSEPH O'REGAN, Class. T. WILLIAM MARTIN, M. & E. T.

JOHN STOPFQRD, M. & E. T. JOHN WISEMAN, M. & E. T.

We fully concur in the particulars advanced in the foregoing opinion, and feel great pleasure in imitating a determination so deservedly adopted. • October, 1836.

JOHN BROWNE, L. L. D., T. C., D , Bandon End. School.

JOHN TURPIN, A. M., T. C, D., Middleton do.

THOMAS ELMS, A. B., T. C, D.. Bandon.

RICHARD HAYES, A. B.,T C, D., Bandon.

-JAMES BAKER, M. & E. T. , Skibbereen.

TERENCE CROLY, M. & E. T., Bantry.

JAMES LONG, Class. Teach., Bandon.

P. HANRAHAN, Class. Teach., Carrigalme.

RICHARD ATKINS, M. & E. T., Skibbereen.

MICHAEL M'CARTHY, M. & E. T., Carrigalme.

JAMES RUSSEL, M. & E. T., Cove.

WM. BARTON, M. & E. T., Kinsale.

BENJAMIN ATKINS, M. & E T., Bandon.

DANIEL M'CARTIE, M. & E. T., Skibbereen.

JOHN O'SULLIVAN, Class. T. 3 Coachford.

{Extract from the letter of Doctor Kyle, Bishop of Cork and Cloyne, late Provost of Trinity College, Dublin, to Doctor M'Caul, Sept. 15, 1836.]

The bearer, Mr Wright, is the author of an English Grammar. The object at which he aims is certainly still open to competitors; and improvements of this nature can never be unimportant. His theory of verbs, which I long since anticipated, is conspicuous for its perspicuity. From the work generally, he has read to me a considerable portion of original and interesting matter, in which I fully concur. SAMUEL, Cork and Cloyne.

7, Trinity College, Dublin, Sept. 18, 183G. Dear Sir— I have been favored with a view of your English Grammar. From the great ingenuity and originality displayed throughout its pages, little room is left to doubt its complete success. If respectably published, it must command an extensive circulation.

I am, dear Sir, yours truly,

JOHN M'CAUL, L. L. D., T. C. D., Mr. J. W. Wright. Author of Greek Lexicon.

Cork, Oifo5er4, 1836.

Dear Sir — Agreeably to your request, I have perused your treatise on English Grammar ; and. in brief commendation of its merits, hesitate not to say, that I conceive it to be a work of the highest order; an indelible credit to the head and heart which produced it ; and, of incalculable importance to all who desire an intimate acquaintance with the peculiarities and philosophy of our language. I shall- adopt it in my school 1 .

I am, dear Sir, your obedient servant, Mr. J. W. Wright. R RADCL1FFE, L. L. D. r T. C, D.

131 Grove-street j, Camden Town, London, Oct* 20, 1836. Sir — So far as 1 have had an opportunity of consulting your grammatical work, I feel satisfied, that it contains much important original thought; and. that it is infinitely superior to either Murray's or Hiley's.

I have the honor to be, Sir, your obedient servant,

W. C. TAYLOR, L. L. D., T. C, D.

Mr. J. W. Wright. Ed. Athtn&um.

Trinity College, December 12, 1836.

Sir — Having perused your Grammar with much care, I have no hesitation in saying, that I consider it a work of great merit, admirably adapted to the capacity of the youthful student, and that it may be read with much profit by adults. 1 remain, Sir, yours, &c. &c.

Mr. J. W. Wright. MICHAEL ROBERTS, F. T. C, IX

Carrigaline Glebe, Dec. 15/A, 1836.

Bear Sir — Having repeatedly heard of tbe general approbation bestowed! on your Grammar of the English Language, and having determined to judge for myself, I am, after a careful perusal of its contents, induced to testify my most unqualified concurrence in those views so justly and liberally entertained of its merits. And, I sincerely trust, that a work so truly valuably will experience the encouragement which it so eminently deserves. I am, dear Sir, your obedient servant,

JOHN JOHNSON, Clk., A. B., T. C, D.

- Mr. J. W. Wright.

Trinity College, Dublin, Dec. 27, 1836.

On receipt of your work on English Grammar, which you have been pleased to submit for my examination and opinion, I feel induced to say, that did not the professions of its title lead me to hope that some light would be thrown on several of the frivolously conducted theories advanced by our grammarians in general, amongst whom I must particularize Mr. Murray, I should have taken leave, however unceremonious the act may appear, to de cline the invitation and honor intended. Having, however, read it with marked attention, I feel gratified to acknowledge, that my most sanguine expectations have been surpassed. My determination to introduce it to the notice of my pupils, and, to the protection of my friends, is the strongest assurance which I can offer, of my concurrence in the general tenor of its interesting contents,

I am, dear Sir, your obedient servant,

Mr. J. W. Wright. J. ELMES, S. T. C, D.

Bandon, 4th Jan. 1S37.

Dear Sir — After an attentive perusal of your English Grammar, I have come to the determination of stating, as the result of my inquiries, that your work contains more acute investigation, more important original matter, and displays a more intimate acquaintance with the structure of our noble language, than any other treatise on that subject with which I am acquainted. I think your book well calculated to assist the iugenious youth, in obtaining a powerful knowledge of that very important, but too frequently neglected subject, (at least in our classical schools) English Grammar ; and, as such, I shall unhesitatingly recommend it to my pupils.

I am, dear Sir, truly yours, Mr. J. W. Wrtght. THOMAS ELMES, A. B., T: C.,D.

Middleton, Nov. 1, 1836.

Sir — 1 have examined your treatise on English Grammar. From its plan and general arrangement, I consider it much more practical and popular than any other work which professes to have the same object in view. I shall feel great pleasure in promoting its circulation.

I am, Sir, your obedient servant,

JOHN TURP1N, A. M., T. C, D., Mr. J. W. Wright. Principal Middleton Academy.

Bandon, 26lh Nov., 1836.

Dear Sir — I have read your Grammar of the English Language, with much attention ; and have been highly gratified with your improvements on former modes of construction. I shall feel great pleasure in recommending your book to my pupils.

I am, dear Sir, yours sincerely,

JOHN BROWNE, L. L. D., T. C, D.

Mr. J. W. Wright.

Tracton -Glebe, 10th Nov., 1836.

Sir — Having carefully read your English Grammar, I feel much pleasure in expressing my opinion of its merits. I conceive, that I do not anticipate too much, in expecting that it will speedily evince its value ; not only as a school book, but, likewise, as a pleasing and effectual guide to the adult student, even without the aid of an oral instructor.

I am, Sir, your obedient servant, Mr. J. W. Wright. JOHN CONOLLY, A. B., T. C, D., Ok.

Douglass, Nov. lA.th, 1836, My dear Sir — I have attentively read your work on English Grammar, and have derived from it information as well as pleasure : and I do sincerely hope, that ere long, it may be well known amongst the reading classes, especially those engaged in the instruction of youth.

I am, my dear Sir, yorcrs truly, Mr. J. W. Wright. HORACE TOWNSEND, A. M., T. C, D.

Temple Brady Glebe, Nov. 20, 1836.

My dear Sir — I have read, with attention, your work on English Grammar; and do not hesitate, to say, that it is, in my opinion, superior to any, treatise on the subject which I have yet seen. It is admirably calculated for the instruction of youth; and maybe perused with interest and advantage by those of riper years. I ani, my dear Sir, yours very truly,

W. C. WILLIAMSON, A.M., T.C., D., Clk.

Mr. J. W. Wright.

155 Chamber-street, New ■ York, Nov. 17, 1837.

I have examined, with much attention, " A Philosophical Grammar of the English Language, by Mr. Wright."

This work, in my opinion, contains much, useful, original, and philosophical criticism, in this very important department of education. The rules of syntax are clear and comprehensive ; and the nature of, the verb, the most difficult part of grammar, has been, at length, satisfactorily explained. I can only desire, that others, who, like myself, are engaged in literary labors, for the benefit of youth, may take the trouble to examine this work, (which is now offered to the consideration of the American publick) with that degree of attention which may be easily snatched from the most busy occupations ; and, I doubt not, the result of their labors will decide in favor of its superior excellence. A philosophical work of this character, is much required, instead of the voluminous made-up grammers, which disgrace our literal ture. J. BARBER,

Professor of Elocution, Columbia College.

Wright's English Grammar. — Curiosity has induced us to examine this work. Under the impression that, on what we conceived an exhausted subject, prepossessions in favor of new fangled doctrines, the result merely of fantastical conceptions, had spirited up their author to exhibition, we felt the more anxious, we candidly admit, to be amused rather than edified.

We freely acknowledge, that our disposition has been checked; and, as an atonement for our too precipitate forebodings, we evince our repentance, by owning, that we have been most agreeably disappointed. We congratulate the publick, on the satisfactory prospects which this work affords. So critical and intimate an acquaintance with the subject is displayed, as leaves little room to dispute the author's pretensions, on this subject, to knowledge of the first order. — New - York Evening Star, Nov. 14, 1837.

Wright's English Grammar. — With Solomon, It was a maxim, that "nothing new was under the sun ;" and, in truth, so thought we, in our day : at least, on the grammatical structure of our dialect, till otherwise convinced, by the ingenious, novel, and important disquisitions which this work evinces. To the punctilious and significant niceties of a subject, in such constant requisition, as speech, and through which the intellectual refinements of our natures are to be conveyed, we are bound to observe the most delicate attention, in order to supersede, as far as may be, our mutual liabilities to mis-statements, and consequent misconception. To this work, as a master* piece, in the interesting department of philological literature, we take leave to direct publick attention. — Long Island Star, Nov., 1837.

New - York, 17th Feb., 1838.

My dear Sir — Conformably to your desire, I have perused your "Phi* losophical Grammar of the English Language ;" and have bestowed on it that attention which the importance of its title seems to demand.

I am induced to say, that I conceive it to be, not only a work of great and rare merit ; but, also, of incalculable benefit to the community in general. Indeed, I consider it the only treatise, on this interesting subject, which approaches to perfection. You will please order 100 copies for,

Yours, very sincerely,

JOHN POWER,'

Rector of St. Peters\ and Vicar- general ofNete-York*

IN PRESS,

AND WILL SPEEDILY BE PUBLISHED,

AN ABRIDGMENT

O F

Wright's Philosophical Grammar

OF THE

ENGLISH LANGUAGE:

ADAPTED SOLELY TO THE CAPACITY OF YOUTHFUL

STUDENTS, &C.

BY THE AUTHOR.

IS BEING PREPARED FOR THE PRESS,

AND WILL BE PUBLISHED IN DUE TIME,

AN ELEMENTARY TREATISE

OF THE

LAW AND PRACTICE

OF THE

STATE OF NEW-YORK:

ARRANGED CONFORMABLY TO

Sir William Blackstone's Commentaries

ON THE LAWS OF ENGLAND,

BY THOMAS W. CLERKE,

COUNSELLOR AT LAW.

SPINNING & HODGES,

PRINTERS AND BOOKBINDERS,

No. 162 NASSAU-STREET.

PHILOSOPHICAL GRAMMAR

ENGLISH LANGUAGE;

USE OF SCHOOLS OR PRIVATE STUDY:

IN WHICH ARE CONTAINED, IN NUMEROUS INSTANCES,

THEORETICAL AND PRACTICAL REFUTATIONS OF

THE MOST PREVAILING SYSTEMS

IN MODERN USE.

BY JOSEPH W. WRIGHT, C. E.,

Author of "Rules for Composition," &c. <fcc

He who advances science, by an earnest endeavor to improve the hunum understanding, deserves to be reckoned amongst the benefactors of mankind,

Johnson.

NEW-YORK;

LONDON:

1838,

N %v

Entered, accordingly to Act of Congress, in the year 1838,

By Joseph W. Wright,

In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the Southern District of New -York.

f 4

ENTERED AT STATIONERS HALL, LONDON.

TO COMMON SENSE,

(the parent of genuine philosophy)

THESE PAGES

ARE HUMBLY DEDICATED,

THE AUTHOR,

Go 1 Go! fond theme, — thy Guardian bids thee go,

And risk thy fate in Fortune's devious dance. One trait thou hast, — 'tis just the world should know,—

Thou'rt forin'd to please, — perchance, thy part t'advance- Foil'd in thy hopes, of fanci'd plumes bereav'd^

Thou'lt quickly turn, whence Fate thy footsteps bent Accept thy doom, nor deem the world deprav'd,—

'Tis its to know, — 'tis thine to bow asseyit. But list, thou fond one, — Fortune's witching smile,

And grants thy Prayeb, — A calm, impartial hearing.

Preface

As publick usefulness should be the aim of every individual, however unimportant in society; so, each well meant contribution, towards so laudable a design, should be received with every mark of esteem, due to a sincere intention to please and inform.

u The duty of every man," observes Doctor Johnson, " is, to endeavor, that something may be added, by his industry, to the hereditary aggregate of knowledge and happiness. To add much can, indeed, be the lot of few: but, to add something, however trivial, every one may hope ; and, of every honest endeavor, it is certain, that however unsuccessful, it will be at length rewarded."

Conformably to an assertion so plausible, and a result so probable, the writer of the ensuing pages has ventured (he hopes not imprudently) to solicit publick investigation; contented, if his views accomplish their intended object, — that of affording additional light to the interesting and critical subject which he has undertaken to advance.

If the abilities of men were estimated by the representation which every man makes of his own, few would be compelled to experience the chagrin attendant on neglect; or, on the unsoothing consequences of disappointment, However, the powers conferred on our species are so numerous and varied, as to authorize an indulgence in the supposition, that some few individuals may be chosen to make strides hitherto unknown ; and thus, for some time, superintend, and ultimately direct the operations of the many, in particular cases. But, as instances of this nature are rarely discovered ; and, as the writer of this work is wholly unconscious of having displayed more ingenuity than numbers who would have taken equal pains ; he hopes, that few will consider him so enthusiastically disposed, as to suspect, that certain powers of discrimination, withheld from others, are peculiarly allotted to him. Thus, does he take an opportunity of averting the imputation of arrogance, (if entertained) or, of his having acted on principles too visionary; by indulging in the exercise of pretensions to which, perhaps, he has no authentick title.

Amongst the multiplicity of books which have, from time to time, been dispersed throughout the literary world on this subject, the obtrusion of a new work on the publick, must indisputably argue an opinion in its writer, that it is replete with information altogether novel and important ; so as to render it worthy of attention: or, if ancient in substance, that it appears in a form original and truly advantageous; so as to gratify the reader, and amply recompense him for the trouble of perusal. To the latter of these consequences, the author presumes not to lay claims, further than those to which publick opinion shall be pleased to pronounce him entitled : with respect to the former, he only deserves censure, if his book shall afford no other information than what is already familiar to his discriminating readers.

One of the first charges to which a writer on any scientifick branch is generally subjected, is that of plagiarism. This charge, particularly in works of this nature, is frequently as unfounded as it is frivolous ; and, is seldom preferred, but by the illiterate and illiberal : for, the well judging know, that " the roads of science are narrow ; and, that those who travel over them must either meet or follow one another."

The author does not urge this remark in his defence : no, — he is well aware, that in the generosity of his informed readers, rests his best protection from so unkind an accusation. Where he has been compelled to adopt the system of a discerning predecessor, he has unhesitatingly done so : but, on every point, where he conceived an error to have been inculcated, he indulged in the opportunity of presenting a refutation.

When this work was being commenced, it was not undertaken with the most remote view to publication ; — the writer having intended his remarks for his own amusement ; the instruction of a few private individuals who attended his lectures ; but, chiefly, for the edification of his children, when of more mature years. Nor indeed would he, at present, exhibit his pages before the tribunal of criticism, on matter which he is sensible requires the nicest inspection, were he not importuned to that effect, by persons of his acquaintance, whom he conceived eminently qualified to judge of the merits of such a work. Thus, has he been flattered into publication, by their approval of its contents. These are among the chief claims which he has to indulgence ; and they, he is induced to hope, will not fail, in some measure, to influence the mind of his considerate reader.

The author has studiously adopted language, the most familiar with which he was conversant ; so as to accommodate youth, and facilitate their acquaintance with the nature of the subject, and the peculiarities attending it.

If, on any point, his mode of imparting information may be censured for its prolixity, he takes leave to observe, that this is an intentional fault, if fault it may be denominated: for the reader is entreated to consider, that the writer was compelled to afford ample explanations to those who were novices in the science of grammar ; in order to enable them to comprehend, fully, the meaning of his lectures. This circumstance, accompanied by almost incessant arguments to uphold his system, and frequent refutations of the theories of others, so as to enforce his own, will, he should hope, be accepted, a,s a sufficient apology, for any circumlocution which his mode of instruction may otherwise be supposed to embrace.

The author, as may be seen, has not, in more than a few instances, selected his specimens of incorrect language from poetical compositions; knowing, that a certain license must ever prevail in those writings : neither has he selected them from speakers or writers of inconsiderable repute ; as that could add little to his fame as a critick: but, he has designedly cited them from the productions of those potentates of English literature, who, by their critical sagacity, were generally supposed to have attained perfection in style and composition,

He has also been peculiarly careful, in the introduction of his examples, to inculcate genuine piety and sound morality: and, where he could not procure similar instruction suited to each rule, from those authors whom he has criticized, he has generally supplied the defect with apposite original matter: or, with extracts from writers of distinguished piety.

Surely, then, if the author has, in the judgment of his reader, so far succeeded as he is led to imagine ; — if his scheme on most, if not on all points, be unquestionable ; he is necessarily induced to conclude, that the success of his efforts will influence so general an acquiescence in the accomplishment of his design, as must constitute a suitable recompense for his toilsome inquiries. If otherwise, and that he should have the mortification to fail in his undertaking, in publick esteem ; he is prepared to bear, with calm resignation, the ignominy and reproach awarded by his judges : saying, with Dr. Johnson, that "he meant no evil, — he meditated on good, and has fought the battle, though he missed the victory."

U3 3 Exercises and Key to this work are being prepared ; by means of which, such illustrations of the different rules will be afforded, as will enable the attentive learner to acquire a familiar knowledge of the principles and peculiarities of grammar, in all its varieties.

Introduction

As the limits generally assigned to an Introduction, can afford but a slight view of its main contents, a few hints, briefly communicated, will, perhaps, suffice.

The usually received definitions have been generally varied, from conviction, that perspicuity, hitherto so defective, in this point, is one of the chief clews towards an understanding of this science.

The import of the auxiliaries shall and will, so long contested by the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, has been discussed : and, in the author's opinion, finally fixed under unexceptionable rules for their proper employment.

The improper substitution of adjectives for adverbs, and adverbs for adjectives, so imperfectly adjusted and distinguished by writers on English grammar, has been considered; and rectified by regulations and