Introduction to the Study of Palæontological Botany

Abstract

THE mastery of an alphabet by a child depends on his recognising and remembering the differences in form of the various arbitrary signs which we conventionally use to represent different sounds. Perhaps in the face of the alphabetic researches of Mr. John Evans we should withdraw the qualification—arbitrary. He may see a connection between the sign and the sound, and be able to give a reason for the various forms employed, and explain the influence of this horn or that loop superadded to the simple line in modifying the sound. We are, however, at a loss to discover what possible connection of affinity or even of analogy can exist between the signs O and Q and the sounds they represent. Whatever the recondite researches of the antiquarian may discover, the letters of the alphabet are practically recognised and universally received as arbitrary signs for particular sounds. The mastery of the alphabet is only the recognition and remembrance of the different signs and the sounds they represent.

Introduction to the Study of Palæontological Botany.

By J. H. Balfour, &c., Professor of Botany, Edinburgh. (Edinburgh: Adam and Chas. Black, 1872.)