Dec, 1888.] elliott society. 215 



The several brandies of the Indo-European family are becoming more and 

 more familiarized with one another's idioms ; to illustrate : fifty years ago the 

 language of Schiller and Goethe was almost unknown in England and America 

 and totally without recognition in the most advanced institutions of learning. 

 Now all this is changed, and in addition, the comparative study of the Indo- 

 European group is steadily bringing its branches into more intimate and har- 

 monious relation. The conditions of our modern civilization seem to render 

 the present epoch an auspicious one for the inception and successful consTim- 

 mation of the plan. The nature of the proposed univeisal medium can be de- 

 termined only by a conference of scholars representing the several branches of 

 our linguistic family. As in all great achievements, compromise and concilia- 

 tion will be requisite, forbearance and concession, inevitable. It seems at least 

 certain that peculiar difficulties inherent in every tongue and constituting its 

 shibdoleth, should be omitted in the formation and development of a universal 

 medium. Points of agreement or resemblance should be retained so far as 

 possible ; strongly marked differences and distinctive difficulties excluded. 



It might be given as a possible reply to the argument in behalf of a univer- 

 sal medium, that the aggressive, assimilative genius of the EngUsh race, will in 

 due course of time, render their tongue the prevailing speech of commerce at 

 least. The unphonetic character of our speech will always prove an obstacle 

 to its adoption as a universal medium, even for a specific purpose, nor can we 

 expect that the other branches of our linguistic family would concede to it a 

 monopoly or an exclusive preeminence even iii this regard. In the judgment 

 of your Philological Curator the scheme suggested is possible of accomplish- 

 ment, and if judiciously and skilfullj^ developed, may be productive of benefi- 

 cent results in advancing the ends of commercial enterprise, together with all 

 the incidental and essential consequences in the promotion of Christian civili- 

 zation that follow from such advancement. 



De. G. E. Manigault stated that the groups of Balani exhibited by him 

 were removed from beneath the rudder or the bark Sea Gull recently arrived 

 in distress form the coast of Africa. The largest of these measures almost 

 three inches in length, and their growth must have occupied a considerable 

 time. In two of the empty cavities were small fishes, ( one in each ) which 

 were there either for safety or convenience and had been there for some time, 

 as they were not of a species common to the waters of the harbor of Charleston. 

 The specimens were presented to the Museum of the College of Charleston by 

 Dr. John C. Faber. 



Me. Schlepegeell spoke briefly of the circulation of the blood in the com- 

 mon tadpole, beautifully illustrating his remarks with the aid of the micro- 

 scojDe. 



The following Officers were elected : 



