of _oient_, means the wind (_ir ven_). In like
manner _ic iv iv_ may mean _the life life_, which we know from
the repetition of _life_ must imply quickness. And hence it is
that _iv iv_ become when contracted, _vive_, that is, _be alive_.
Now when we contract _iv ien_ to _vien_, if we give to _ic_ its
primitive meaning, which is that of _here_, we shall, by allowing
that _vien_ in the beginning went before _ic_, have for the
meaning of both words, come here (_vien ic_). Hence it is we
still hear a dog called upon in English by _Here! here!_ and in
French by the word _Ici_ with the dog's name attached to it. The
English word _dog_ is also, when analysed, expressive of haste,
since it makes _id eo ge_ or _id-o-ge,_ which implies _the thing
go_, or _the go, go_."
We conclude this brief, and, we fear, imperfect notice of so great a
work, by suggesting for the author's consideration, whether, in a
revisal of his views, he might not bestow some attention on one or two
other languages than English and French. His attainments in these seem
to be of a superior order, and he seems also to have made considerable
progress in the Latin rudiments. We do not hold that Greek is
essential, but we respectfully submit that the acquisition of
Anglo-Saxon, and some other older dialects of Europe, with which
English is generally supposed to have some connexion, might with
advantage be attempted. Not that we imagine Mr Kavanagh's views would
then be changed or improved. The etymologist's eye, "in a fine frenzy
rolling," may have intuitive perceptions of results such as no course
of study could attain. But still there is a vulgar prejudice to which
we think it prudent to pay some deference, and which recommends that,
before writing on a subject, we should know something about it.
This, however, is a secondary matter, which we merely submit in
passing. As it is, Mr Kavanagh has taken his place as a philologist on
an elevation which only a few can hope to attain. He may be said to
have done for language in general what has hitherto only been
attempted in the field of Celtic speculation; but it is no light
matter to have followed and outstripped in their course the
illustrious men who have excelled in that more limited province.
Henceforth the name of Morgan Kavanagh will be entwined in the same
undying wreath with those of Lachlan Maclean and Sir William Betham.
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