on the Englifh Alphabet. 17% 
the union of the two can fcarcely be diftinguifhed, 
fo exactly parallel is the union of two vowels: and 
I is like the note de gotit to the O, in medallion 
and words of fimilar termination: as it is alfo, 
audibly, though not vifibly, to U, when founded as 
in mute. In the Ruffian Alphabet, the found is well 
exprefled by one type EO. Many other examples 
of diphthongs might here be noticed; but, as they 
are all refolvable by the fame criteria,* it may be 
proper to pafs on to the fimple vowels, the number 
of which appears to be naturally feven; for fo 
many principal variations may be formed, befide 
their diminutions, without bringing the lips into 
clofe contact with each other: and this number 
perhaps almoft all human beings are~ capable of 
forming.f And, however novel it may feem, I 
am led to believe that the vowel founds have nearly 
the fame analogy to the primitive notes of Mufic, 
as thefe have to the primary colours ; and the other 
varieties of the vowel founds can only be efteemed, 
Ye as. 
* On the contrary a vowel, or any fimple letter, 
admits of no further analyfis, but is, as Ariftotle || afferts, 
Quy adiaigeros, 
> \ 3 > ~ 
f Ol avBgwror Quvyy pev ryv duriy dPidior diahex- 
Tov O¢ ov THY auTHy. 
Ariftot. de Hift. Animalium, L. iv. c. 9. 
| See Winftanley’s Edition of Ariftotle’s Poetics, page 64. 
