_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. This same principle also operated in
appropriating names to the purpose of attributing qualities to other
names of objects; and in this way was constituted the class of words
called _adjectives_ or _attributes_. By the same principle were
formed all the other classes.

In the following exposition of English grammar on scientific
principles, I shall divide words into seven classes; _Nouns_ or
_Names, Verbs, Adjectives, Adnouns_, or _Attributes, Adverbs,
Propositions, Pronouns_, and _Conjunctions_ or _Connectives_.

For an explanation of the noun, refer to the body of the work.

* * * * *

PHILOSOPHICAL NOTES.

Plausible arguments may be _advanced_, for rejecting _neuter_ and
passive verbs; but they have been found to be so convenient in
practice, that the theory which recognises them, has stood the test
of ages. If you tell the young learner, that, in the following
expressions, The church _rests_ on its foundation; The book _lies_
on the desk; The boys _remain (are)_ idle, the nouns _church, book_,
and _boys_, are represented as acting, and, therefore, the verbs
_rests, lies, remain_, and _are_, are _active_, he will not believe
you, because there is no action that is apparent to his senses. And