XIII. Observations on the Theory of Language. By Henry. 

 Dewar, M. D. Fellow of the Royal College of Physi- 

 cians of Edinburgh, 



(Read 2d January 181 5. J 



THOSE philological studies which have been cultivated 

 among polished nations, for their subserviency to litera- 

 ry taste, and their influence on the formation of correct habits 

 of speaking and writing, have gradually suggested the more 

 profound science of Universal Grammar. The business of this 

 science is, not merely to dictate the best manner of connect- 

 ing words with one another,, but to investigate the origin of 

 the various distinctions existing among them, and to disco- 

 ver in what instances these distinctions are dictated by occa- 

 sional convenience or partial caprice, and in what instances 

 they are essential to the purposes of language. By the aid of 

 these investigations, philosophers have even hoped to trace 

 some of the most important laws of human thought, and to ■ 

 obtam a solution of the most difficult problems of me- 

 taphysics. Some of the atternpts made to realise these expec- 

 tations have displayed great ingenuity ; but, even with this 

 qualification to recommend them, they have often failed to 

 establish principles on a foundation sufficiently sure to preclude- 

 coutroversy.- 



Amidst 



