243 Mr. Sankey on the Analysis of the Greek Tongue. 



an established analogy, the rules of which it is the business of 

 the grammar to teach, so that, in fact, the introduction of 

 grammar, properly so called to distinguish it from the syntax, 

 arose out of the necessity of abbreviating the dictionary. 



In proposing such a dictionary of roots, it is obvious I by 

 no means have in view any such plan as that followed by 

 Scapula, which, so far from assisting a beginner, requires a 

 pretty extensive knowledge of the language to use it with 

 comfort and advantage. 



Not having here in view an etymological, but a trans-^ 

 lating dictionary, the arrangement I would propose is to 

 give the roots only of the inflected parts, still retaining 

 the derivatives, as well simple as compound, in their proper 

 alphabetical order. I would also observe, that with a view to 

 clearness, simplicity, and brevity, I would even recommend 

 this, or any other dictionary, to be conducted on the principle 

 of giving to each word or root that meaning, which, as a lead- 

 ing idea, may comprehend under it all the apparently various 

 significations, which, according to the context, it may seem to 

 bear in different passages ; and here I would remark, that 

 there cannot be a worse mode of interpretation than that of 

 applying generally to words a forced meaning, derived from 

 the context in particular passages, in which, perhaps, the real 

 meaning may be modified by some other word of the sentence, 

 in which it may be intended all this peculiarity of meaning 

 may reside. This mode of interpretation may display a show 

 of learning, but manifests a real want of critical acumen, at 

 the same time that it gives a great space to mistranslations, in 

 consequence of prejudice. 



There are many other points connected with the analysis 

 which it might be interesting to notice ; but this article having 

 already run to a greater length than I expected, I must, there- 

 fore, now conclude these observations with expressing my 

 wish that the mere mechanical system of grammatical arrange- 

 ments may be speedily exchanged for one which, as founded 

 on a juster basis, shall prove more intelligible to the pupil, and 

 less embarrassing, by wrong associations to the analogist. 



