344 
to be quite satisfied with his solution/ Prof. Sayce also 
speaks with high approbation of Loire’s main theory, but 
adds : — 
“ Like Greiger, Noire is a philosopher rather than a philologist, 
and his explanation of Aryan roots and their connexion with 
one another, frequently contravenes the laws of scientific etymo- 
logy. Nor can his identification of roots and words be admitted, 
or the actual existence at any time of the hypothetical roots of 
the Aryan tongues. But his theory doubtless explains the 
origin of much that is in speech, though it does not explain 
everything.”! 
It may be observed that the investigations of any able man 
on such a subject are almost sure to be valuable as being sug- 
gestive, even although his conclusions may be highly doubtful, 
or even actually erroneous. The reader will further notice the 
absolute opposition of opinion on the important question, Did 
“ roots ” ever actually exist, and as words ? 
Rejecting the “ Pooh-pooh” and “Bow-wow ” Theories, and 
also the Imitation Theory, and noticing that a rigid analysis 
would doubtless diminish the comparatively small number of 
original roots, and that Greiger even referred all vocal sounds 
to “ a single sound, excited by a single definite idea,” we press 
up to the question, How (to take a particular instance) did da 
come to mean giving ? Before unlocking the gate Noire turns 
round to gibe at the impotent crowd of sages who are hopelessly 
outside, and exclaims ; — 
“ Now is the time to prove your mettle ! A philosophy that 
can solve such a problem as the present has given a pledge of 
substantial value, and established an unassailable claim to 
universal respect.” Certainly; so let us listen to the hiero- 
phant : — 
I. “ Language is a product of association, and of the com- 
munity of feeling which is developed, intensified, and finally 
carried to perfection by community of life.” 
This is merely the preliminary basis, for, of course, the 
above-named factors are not sufficient to produce language ; 
were it otherwise, many gregarious animals would possess it. 
II. “ Language is a product of an active process ; it is the 
child of will. In the place of sensations, the mere sense-impres- 
sions ... we must set the active will, or spontaneous 
activity, . . . which the Monistic philosophy affirms to be at 
the root of all phenomena.” 
This further stimulating cause now presents itself ; it is the 
* Tide Lects. on the Origin and Growth of Religion. 183 et seq. 
t Introd. Sci. Lang., i. 83. 
