on the Englifh Alphabet. 145. 
figures, or upwards of 1480 TRILLIONS of pages; 
without attempting to calculate the great variety of 
changes upon each! Hence, from a few cha- 
racters, words might be formed greatly furpaffing the 
utmoft expanfion of human ideas. 
Since, then, thefe few elements of words may, 
from time to time, involve new fubjects of importance, 
as long as this world fhall exift, fhould it not form 
a part of the bufinefs of all who can, however. 
flenderly, aflift therein, fo to promote their im- 
provement and regularity, that they might become 
in this, as they nearly are in fome other countries, 
ofa definite import? ‘This would give to language 
that fymetry and ftability by which it would be 
rendered intelligible, not only at one particular 
period, but alfo eafy of accefs to after ages. 
Yet if there be any who imagine that a thorough, 
philofophical knowledge of language may be obtained: 
without an acquaintance with its elements, they 
might juft as well attempt to defcant upon colours 
without ever haying had a perception of light. 
Lord Monboddo, whofe writings will afford plea- 
fure and improvement to all who perufe them, fays, 
with fome point, though with that liberality which 
fhould ever accompany fcience, and which will 
always contribute no lefs towards cherifhing its 
growth, than an indulgent criticifm will towards the 
correction of thofe errors to which all men are more 
or lefs liable: ‘* Though I myfelf think nothing 
“ trifling that belongs to fo noble an art, (Lan- 
¥ ** (guage 
