The further subdivisions and minuter details will be best under-
stood from an inspection of the Tabular Synopsis of Categories
prefixed to the Work, in which are specified the several toiries or
heads of signification, under which the words have been arranged.
By the aid of this table, the reader will, with a little practice,
readily discover the place which the particular topic he is in search
of occupies in the series; and on turning to the page in the body
of the Work which contains it, he will find the group of expres-
sions he requires, out of which he may cull those that are most
appropriate to his purpose. For the convenience of reference, I
have designated each separate group or heading by a particular
number; so that if, during the search, any doubt or difficulty
should occur, recourse may be had to the copious alphabetical
Index of words at the end of the volume, which will at once indi-
cate the number of the required group.[1]
The object I have proposed to myself in this Work would have been but imperfectly attained if I had confined myself to a mere catalogue of words, and had omitted the numerous phrases and forms of expression composed of several words, which are of such frequent use as to entitle them to rank among the constituent parts of the language.[2] Very few of these verbal combinations, so
- ↑ It often happens that the same word admits of various applications, or may be used in different senses. In consulting the Index the reader will be guided to the number of the heading under which that word, in each particular acceptation, will be found, by means of supplementary words printed in Italics; which words, however, are not to be miderstood as explaining the meaning of the word to which they are annexed, but only as assisting in the required reference. I have also, for shortness' sake, generally omitted words immediately derived from the primary one inserted, which sufficiently represents the whole group of correlative words referable to the same heading. Thus the number affixed to Beauty applies to all its derivatives, such as Beautiful, Beauteous, Beautifulness, Beautifully, Sec, the insertion of which was therefore needless. [In compiling the new Index the editor has adopted this principle as a general rule, from which, however, he has not scrupled to depart where he has deemed it expedient to do so.]
- ↑ For example :— To take time by the forelock;— to turn over a new leaf; —to show the white feather;— to have a finger in the pie;— to let the cat
involve also those of the Will, and viae versd; and out Affections and Emotions, in like manner, generally imply the agency both of the Intellect and of the Will. All that can be effected, therefore, is to arrange the words according to the principal or dominant idea they convey. Teacliing, for example, although a Voluntary act, relates primarily to the Commimication of Ideas, and is accord- ingly placed at No. 537, under Class IV. Division (II.). On the other hand, Clioice, Conduct, Skill, &c., although implying the co-operation of Voluntary with Intellectual acts, relate principally to the former, and are therefore arranged under Class V.
