£28 Ona new systematic Arrangement of Colours. 
a yellowish brown; if blue and yellow preponderate, a 
greenish or olive brown, , 
Though, at first view of the subject, it seems difficult to 
reconcile this theory with the numerous tints displayed on 
the surfaces of different bodies ; yet experiments seem to 
warrant the notion, that all the tints in nature are com- 
pounds of these primitive colours, varied in the way I have 
described. To construct a nomenclature to express these 
said proportions, we must first get an idea of the proportions 
themselves which are requisite to produce given com- 
pound colours. This may, I think, be done in some mea- 
sure by mixing together repeatedly different liquors coloured 
with the primitive colours; and which were known to 
haye no such chemical action on each other by mixture, as 
should destroy the result of the compound by producing a 
different colour the result of chemical changes in the mixed 
liquid. Prismatic mixtures might be made the criterion, 
whether the colour resulting from the liquid mixtures 
were the genuine effects of the compound of eolour; or 
whether chemical changes in the substance had not given 
one something different. 
Having hinted, as above, at the manner in which a more 
correct nomenciature for colours might be formed by an 
analysis of the proportions of the primitive colours in the 
compounds ; and having before spoken of amode of forming a 
more useful classification for common purposes, by reference 
to specific flowers, as affording standard colours; I shall 
conclude with exposing the inexplicit nature of our present 
names, by an etymological inquiry into their true import. 
And first of the primitive colours. 
Yettow. This word is derived from the Anglo-Saxon 
verb zee!zan, accendere, to inflame, and signifies the 
colour of flame, which is a sort of a yellowish colour, 
In like manner the Latin flammeus, as well as flavus, 
come from $Asyza, flame, from gaeye. The Italian 
giallo, and French jaune, seem to have had a comes 
mon origin with yellow. 
Rep. However the real difference between red and yellow 
may be demonstrated by a prism, I suspect the ety-. 
mology expresses no difference. The etymology of 
the word seems doubtful. Horne Tooke has omitted 
it in his etymological account of colours in the Diver- 
sions of Purley. I suspect, however, it may have some 
connection with the word ray, and expresses the ful 
Out. 
