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caufe they are hard. Thus it concludes equally of both fub- 

 ftances, although it is founded upon the effential diftindion that 

 fubfifts between them. I own it feems not improbable that the 

 firft writing upon foft fubftances was redilineal, in imitation of 

 that which preceded it ; but then, from the reafon above afligned, 

 the curve line muft have almoft immediately fucceeded ; and then 

 the infcriptions that are pofterior in date, would, in imitation 

 hereof, exhibit curved letters. And therefore I conclude, from 

 confidering the Amyclaan and Sigea7i infcriptions, that writing on 

 foft fubftances was probably introduced between the dates of 

 thofe two infcriptions. 



Thirdly. The conclufion of the learned editor of the Alex- 

 andrian is the fame with what I have before admitted, " that 

 " in writing upon foft fubftances angular letters precede curved :" 

 But the principle on which he founds this conclufion, " be- 

 " caufe they are more difficult to be formed, and whatever is mare 

 ♦' difficult is alfo more ancient," being admitted, would entirely 

 remove the firft objedlion. For, according to this reafoning, 

 curved muft precede angular letters in writing upon hard fub- 

 ftances. 



Fourthly. When I admit this conclufion, does it not thence 

 follow that I admit the point in queftion, that this manufcript 

 is lefs ancient than the celebrated manufcripts of the firft clafs ? 

 To this I anfwer, Not, for the following reafons : 



First. 



