1854.] Some Remarks on the Origin of the Afghan people. 577 



be guided by them alone, if we wish to arrive at a solid, complete 

 and certain conclusion. If we would make ourselves acquainted 

 with the relation between two languages, we ought to possess a 

 thorough and profound knowledge of each of them. This is the 

 principle dictated alike by common sense and by that precision 

 acquired by the habit of scientific research. 



" I do not mean to say, that, if we are unable to attain a profound 

 knowledge of each idiom, we should on this account entirely suspend 

 our judgment ; I only insist on it that we should not prescribe to 

 ourselves arbitrary limits, and imagine that we are forming our 

 judgment on a firm basis, while in reality it is insufficient. 



" But further, I am convinced that it is only by an accurate exami- 

 nation of the grammar of languages, that we can pronounce a decisive 

 judgment on their true affinities. 



" If two languages, such for instance as the Sanskrit and the Greek, 

 exhibit grammatical forms which are identical in arrangement, and 

 have a close analogy in their sounds, we have an incontestible proof 

 that these two languages belong to the same family. 



" The difference between the real affinity of languages, which pre- 

 sumes affiliation as it were among the nations who speak them, and 

 that degree of relation which is purely historical, and only indicates 

 temporary and accidental connexions among nations, is, in my 

 opinion, of the greatest importance. Now it appears to me impos- 

 sible ever to ascertain that difference merely by the examination of 

 words ; especially, if we examine but a small number of them. 



" But whatever opinion may be entertained with respect to this 

 manner of considering the difference of languages, it appears to me 

 at all events demonstrated : First, that all research into the affinity 

 of languages, w r hich does not enter quite as much into the examina- 

 tion of the grammatical system as into that of words, is faulty and 

 imperfect; and, Secondly, that the proofs of the real affinity of 

 languages, that is to say, the question whether two languages 

 belong to the same family, ought to be principally deduced from 

 that alone ; since the identity of words only proves a resemblance 

 such as may be purely historical and accidental." 



There are nine letters of the Arabic alphabet which never occur 

 in pure Afghanian words,— i, ^, h } <jc, ye, i, J», c, i, and <J, and 



4 o 



