54 On the ancient Names for Colour. 



not names enough to express all the tints of nature, their signi-* 

 fication was widely extended, particularly by the license of the 

 ancient poets ; and it is only by modern philosophers, as science 

 advanced, that they have become more determined in their signi- 

 fication. 



In a former paper in the Philosophical Magazine* I have given 

 a series of the etymological derivations of the names for colours in 

 our language, where by reference to old books, and by the faci- 

 lity of etymology, in English, we can trace them to their primi- 

 tive meaning in the mother tongue ; and I have proposed a 

 new Nomenclature for colours, which shall express the proportion 

 of primitive colours which compose the beautiful and extensively 

 varied tints by which the surface of the globe is everywhere or- 

 namented. And I have added these observations, on the applica- 

 tion of the names for colour to the illustration of change of colours 

 of the fixed stars, with a view that those who have more classical 



* See Pliil. Miig. Nov. 1813, vol. xlii. p. 327; also for Aug. 1813, 

 vol. xlii. p. 119. 



Yellow. — Tliis "ord is derived from the Ansilo-Saxon verb geaeiratij, 

 acceiide.if {to }nRi\me,) and signifies the colour of flame. In like mnnner 

 the Latin Jlummeus, as well as Jhivus, conic from ^kiy/itc, flame, from 



llED. — The elvmolo^y of the word seems doubtful. Home Tookc has 

 omitted it in his etymological account of colours in the Diversions of 

 Purley. I suspect, ho«c\er, it may have some connection with the word 

 raj/, and expresses the colour of the sun's rays. 



Blue. — 'I'hisuord seems to come from blopan, ^(""cre (to blow as a 

 flower does), and signifies the colour of flowers; — certainly the most inde- 

 finite of all our names for colours, like the Greek |«vfe, from f| and avfcs, 

 i. e. co/o7- ejloribtis. 



Greex ib derived from the Anglo-Saxon verb jpennian, viresccre. In 

 like manner the Latin vircre gave the adjective viridis. 



PuKPLE is conmioiily used in modern tinies for the compound of red 

 and blue, is derived from the Latin pufpimnts, and signifies only flume co- 

 loured; from wu^,Jlre. 



BllowN is a corruption of the p^st participle of the Anglo-Saxon \erb 

 bpennan, J/r^/e (to burn), and signifies the colour of burnt substances; 

 having eivnioloL^ically no distinction between it and ash colour. In like 

 manner the Latin /)(.sc?/s comes from (furxuv, nstrdnreyWS noticed by 'J'ooke; 

 and has the same real meaning, as well as the same application, as brown. 

 Query, Whence cumej'ulvvs and aqiulus'^ 



White comes from the Mocso Gothiik OA^QA^' Spnmaie. Our 

 ■word G/-«y is dirived from jt-pejuian, iujireie, meaning the colour of 

 tainted, infuse(l, or damaged articles, and is most properly used when ap- 

 plied to mixtures, which appear as if tainted or tinged with foreign co- 

 Jours, as the salt and pepper mixtures, &c. 



The dilutions of yellow by white are called slrarv colour. 



Black has probably the same root as" bleak," perhaps from blis^can^ 

 §ud signifies deprived of colour, 



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