Xvi; 3. THE SECOND BOOK. 167 
’ ; 
when the note hath some similitude or congruity with the . 
notion: the other ad placifum, having force only by con- 
tract or acceptation. Of the former sort are hieroglyphics 
and gestures. For as to hieroglyphics (things of ancient 
"use, and embraced chiefly by the Egyptians, one of the 
most ancient nations), they are but as continued impreses 
and emblems. And as for gestures, they are as transitory 
hieroglyphics, and are to hieroglyphics as words spoken | 
are to words written, in that they abide not; but they 
have evermore, as well as the other, an affinity with the 
things signified. As Periander, being consulted with how 
to preserve a tyranny newly usurped, bid the messenger 
attend and report what he saw him do; and went into 
his garden and topped all the highest flowers: signifying, 
that it consisted in the cutting off and keeping low of the 
nobility and grandees. Ad placi/um, are the characters 
real before mentioned, and words: although some have 
been willing by curious inquiry, or rather by apt feigning, 
to have derived imposition of names from reason and 
intendment; a speculation elegant, and, by reason it 
searcheth into antiquity, reverent; but sparingly mixed 
with truth, and of small fruit. This por- 
tion of knowledge, touching the notes of 
things, and cogitations in general, I find not 
inquired, but deficient. And although it may seem of no 
great use, considering that words and writings by letters 
do far excel all the other ways ; yet because this part con- 
cerneth as it were the mint of knowledge (for words are 
the tokens current and accepted for conceits, as moneys 
are for values, and that it is fit men be not ignorant that 
moneys may be of another kind than gold and silver), 
I thought good to propound it to better inquiry. — 
4. Concerning speech and words, the consideration of 
De notis 
rerum, 
