THE SECOND BOOK 147 



less read one another s writings, because the characters 

 are accepted more generally than the languages do 

 extend ; and therefore they have a vast multitude of 

 characters, as many (I suppose) as radical words. 



3. These notes of cogitations are of two sorts ; the 

 one when the note hath some similitude or congruity 

 with the notion : the other ad placitum, having force 

 only by contract 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 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 

 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 concerneth 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 



