394 
JOURNAL OP THE PLYMOUTH INSTITUTION. 
taining quite recent facts. Inaccuracy versus Lying. The duty of 
cultivating accuracy of observation. 
The teaching of our primary schools examined by Huxley. The 
shortcomings of our middle-class schools. The value of scientific 
knowledge in practical life — (1) to the architect or engineer, (2) to 
the physician or surgeon, (3) to the clergyman. Huxley at a 
clerical meeting. 
The remedy for "Fog" is science teaching at an early age. 
What sciences should be taught. When they should be taught. 
And lastly, how they should be taught. 
Suggestions put forward and invited on these three heads. 
COMPARATIVE ETYMOLOGY. 
ABSTRACT OF MR. EDWARD STEANE JACKSON'S PAPKR. 
(Read March 6th, 1873.) 
Definition of Etymology and of Comparative Etymology, or Philo- 
logy. Recent perfection of the Science. Futility of the attempts 
of the ancient Greek and Roman writers in this pursuit, and the 
guess-work of more modern writers, including the extravagances 
of some living scholars. 
Etymology must be founded upon an historical basis, as well as 
upon the known interchange of letters. Definition of roots. Ar- 
rangement of letters into vowels, mutes, and liquids, with their 
proper natural sequence. Large extent of the subject. The lecturer 
illustrated the following etymological phenomena : — 
I. Compression is where several syllables are squeezed into a 
small number, as mea Domina into ma'am. In Gallic geography a 
kind of concentration is found, when the name of an ancient tribe 
becomes the modern appellation of its capital town. 
II. Evanescence of letters. Certain letters have a tendency to 
drop off, others to intrude. Especial liability of the letter s to 
this capriciousness. Original conjecture of the derivation of the 
Greek novis, a husband. 
III. Distortion. Here an antiquated or foreign word is per- 
