The _fact_ of the
case is, that words are variously combined and applied, to answer
the distinct and diversified purposes of _naming_ objects,
_asserting_ truths, _pointing out_ and _limiting_ objects,
_attributing qualities_ to objects, _connecting_ objects, and so on;
and on this _fact_ is founded the _true philosophical principle of
the classification of words_. Hence, an arrangement of words into
classes according to this principle, followed by a development and
illustration of the principles and rules that regulate us in the
proper use and application of words in oral and written discourse,
appears to approximate as near to a true definition _of
philosophical grammar_, as any I am capable of giving.
_Nouns_, or the names of the objects of our perceptions, doubtless
constituted the original class of words; (if I may be allowed to
assume such a hypothesis as an _original_ class of words;) but the
ever-active principle of association, soon transformed nouns into
verbs, by making them, when employed in a particular manner,
expressive of affirmation.
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