488 Lassen on the History traced [No. 101. 



This table shows still some deficiencies ; we still want a G, 

 which I do not venture to adopt from a doubtful word of the 

 inscriptions on the topes ; we may also look for a K ( ^ ) and 

 a B, perhaps also the softer sibilants. This conjecture is found- 

 ed upon the observation, that the characters still undecyphered, 

 are as many as there are letters deficient ; and under this idea, 

 the supposition that the language may not have possessed con- 

 vertible, and intermediate consonants, is nullified. 



The diphthong *P, 6, is always written within the line ; the 

 same must also be supposed as to the analagous ? e, though this 

 is not yet determined with certainty. 



The vowels 9, a, and lp, u, appear to be ascertained, but 3, i, 

 is not so certain. If the remark, that in the alphabet the 

 different quantities of the vowels are not expressed, be well 

 founded, we have not to look for further additions to the vowels ; 

 but we must still wait the decision, as to whether the sign, 

 supposed to denote the shortened u, can be proved correct, or 

 whether If was ordinarily substituted for u. Upon this suppo- 

 sition, however, would arise a contradiction as well in the mode of 

 representing the vowels between i, and u, as also in the manner of 

 expressing the Greek v. The vowels i, and originally, as is most 

 probable, u, also, when following consonants, are denoted by 

 peculiar marks, annexed to the consonants ; the i by a small 

 perpendicular line drawn through the consonant from above ; u 

 if our supposition be correct, by a small angular projection to 

 the right. 



A, is considered as inherent in the consonant, and a conso- 

 nant which presents no other sign of a vowel, must ordinarily 

 have the vowel a, whether long or short. A, being excluded 

 from a final consonant, is not denoted by any sign. There 

 seems to exist a diacritical point for distinguishing similar 

 characters; a small cross line annexed below is a mere calli- 

 graphic ornament. 



(To be continued.) 



