XVI. 3.] THE SECOND BOOK. 167 



when the note hath some similitude or congruity with the 

 notion : the other ad placilum, 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 messengei 

 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 placitum, 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- 



r ... . . De notis 



tion of knowledge, touching the notes of 



rerum. 

 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 



