SPELLING REFORM 273 



that has been distinctly perceptible during the last half century may 

 be expected to continue, but at a diminishing rate if nothing is done 

 to accelerate it. All fashions tend toward fixity; and unless change is 

 urged by those who are willing to appear at times a little odd, the old 

 absurdities will for the most part continue indefinitely. The language 

 is not going to change itself as a result of being proved inconsistent. 

 No fashion is ever changed except by the exercise of personal initiative, 

 but to secure change regard must be had for the difficulties experienced 

 by the reader. The writer who adopts the simplified spelling has to be 

 continually thinking of his spelling until new habits are formed, and 

 his reader has to experience a succession of shocks that are at first 

 irritating. The amount of friction in the complex thought machine 

 is decidedly increased until it becomes worn smooth by such friction. 

 Each advocate of improvement must use his own judgment as to the 

 extent of his violation of conventional forms, but such violation must 

 be perpetrated by him just so far as may be consistent with sane 

 recognition of the conservation of energy. 



vol. lxx. — 18. 



