politics. Johnson was very sparing in the introduction of these
even as they existed in his time; but to show what a fruitful addi-
tion they make, we need mention only a few words first inserted by
Todd, which will suggest many more of a similar kind. Thus
Pythagorean, substantive and adjective; Pythagorical, Pytha-
goric, Pythagorism. Arian, substantive and adjective; Arianism,
Arianize. Jacobin, substantive and adjective; Jacobinical, Ja
cobinism, Jacobinize. The few words of this kind which were
introduced by Johnson, as far as we have observed, were inserted
rather as common appellatives, and as expressive of the qualities of
those who resembled a sect, than for the sect itself, or the founder
of it; as may be seen in Cynick, Cynical; Epicurean, Epicurism,
We have said, that war and the military art have been among the
productive causes of new words; and it is not a novel suggestion.
More than a century has now passed since the authors of the Spec-
tator reprobated the corruptions that were taking place in the English
language, in consequence of the existing war with France. Pon-
toons, fascines, marauder, corps, chamade, cartel, and others,
are among the words which met and successfully resisted the vollies
of wit and humour which were directed against them by those authors,
and acquired a place in Johnson's Dictionary. These and others of
the same class, it appears, were just creeping into our language,
when Addison and his coadjutors were taking cognizance of lite-
rature, and morals, and manners, in the Spectator. That such
words were then uncommon, appears from what the Spectator sub-
joined to a letter which purported to be written by a young gen-
tleman in the army to his father. "The father found it con-
tained great news, but could not guess what it was.
diately communicated it to the curate of the parish, who, upon
the reading of it, being vexed to see anything which he could not
understand, fell into a kind of passion, and told him that his son had
sent him a letter that was neither fish, flesh, nor good red herring."
The late wars and political relations between the countries of
Europe have added somewhat to the list of similar words.

He imme

A very large number of words compounded with in, im, and un, for the most part in a private sense, and some of them being mere varieties in the initial spelling, and being also interchangeable, are added to Johnson's list by Mr. Todd. Of these we believe there are not far from a thousand. There are also seventy or eighty compounded with all, as all-admiring, all-approved, &c. And if we add to them other words variously compounded, such as high-aimed, high-swollen, slop-seller, grass-green, choir-service, dram-drinker, plain-hearted, manor-house, manor-seat, &c. which are found throughout the book, we shall swell the catalogue of compounds to a great amount. How far such compounds are entitled to admission into a dictionary, we will not decide very peremptorily; but they scarcely deserve to be called new words, or

additional words. There are many words of this kind in Johnson, and consistency seems to demand, therefore, that, as far as they are well authorized, a subsequent compiler should insert such as are not already recorded. But it is very manifest that there is no end to caprice and fashion in the composition of such words, and that it is impossible for a dictionary to keep pace with the fancies of writers in their formation and use.

Another prolific source of increase to the English vocabulary is the analogical formation of words of different classes. Such for instance as adjectives in able, or ible. There is something worthy of a passing notice in this kind of words, denominated by Horne Tooke "potential passive adjectives." This name is for the most part descriptive of their meaning. They were originally learned words derived from the Latin words in bilis through the French. But we have not been satisfied with forming those merely which we borrowed from the Latin; for having once found the convenience of the form, that analogical process, which is always taking place in some degree in the changes and improvements of language, has given the same form to many genuine English words; such, for instance, as the familiar terms teachable and tameable. When this method was first adopted from the Latin, it was thought necessary to trans-, late it for the common reader into an equivalent expression. As in an old manuscript version of the New Testament, which we have seen cited, supposed to be written in the reign of Edward the Third, is found the following, among other examples of the same kind; "From henceforth, brethren, whatever things be amyable, or, (with the explanation annexed)" able to be loved."

All modern dictionaries, however, show us, that, being in full possession of this form, words of this kind have been multiplying in our language as occasion or convenience demanded. For instance, the following, forgivable, deprivable, unpleadable, bewailable, devisable, and extirpable, and a multitude more.

Again, words terminating in ful, denoting abundance or excess, constitute a considerable addition to the latter dictionaries. Among these are abuseful, deviceful, taleful, fault ful, toilful, &c. So also those terminating in less, expressive of the diminution or absence of something. We have witnessed the prevalence of fashion in this class of words, and their consequent tendency to increase. In the dictionary we are examining, we find, among numerous others, flameless, waveless, brimless, rayless, passionless, passless, lossless, and many more.

Another class which we shall mention consists of substantives in er, sometimes or, denoting agency, such as blackener, blandisher, caller, desolater, despoiler, desponder, fluter, which are intro duced among many others of the same kind by Mr. Todd. There are no limits to terms of this description, and a vast many pass without animadversion in conversation, and might do so in

writing, which have not found a place in any printed vocabulary.

Then, again, there is that boundless catalogue of abstract nouns formed from adjectives, usually by the termination ness, sometimes ity. Words of this kind are constantly increasing, and must continue to increase. Many, it is difficult to form an estimate of the number, are added by Todd. Inability, abstractedness, fabulousness, involuntariness, manifoldness, unqualifiedness, unsupportableness, are a sufficient sample of the additions of these long words.

So also adverbs from adjectives by the addition of y orly make a considerable addition; as abstinently, bigotedly, calumniously, inherently, unobservedly, &c.

Again, there are additions occasioned by repeating the verb, when it is used both as a transitive and an intransitive. Johnson was not very exact in this particular, and Walker was negligent, overlooking sometimes what his predecessor had done correctly in this way. There are additions also of verbs converted from nouns, as, to extinct, livery, quick, quip, rook; so likewise of nouns from verbs without any change, as, abbreviate, fluster, foreshew; of adjectives from substantives, as, absorbent, fiscal ; of substantives from adjectives, as bitter, desperate, positive.

Last and not least in this enumeration, are the active participal nouns, which are added to the vocabulary by Mr. Todd, to a great extent; such as biting, fading, deserving, despising, ingratiating, interfering, loathing. These additions are of questionable utility, though, if they are admitted at all, it may be done upon very slight authority. We are sure that we could furnish a large catalogue of such additions. Indeed, if we examine the nature of these words, not only in English, but in other languages, we may readily perceive how easily they perform the office of substantives, and how hopeless it is, by singling out a part of them, to do justice to the whole class.

We have thus given something like a classification of some of the principal additions made to the English vocabulary by Mr. Todd. The classification is not complete, but it is sufficiently so to account in a great degree for the fact of such a large increase of words, and to quiet much of the alarm which this increase might occasion to those who are not accustomed to speculations of this kind.

From a pretty full examination, therefore, of the work before us, we have no hesitation in congratulating the public on its appearance. One of the most considerable obstacles to an improved course of instruction in any language, is the want of a good lexicon, This being obtained, a satisfactory progress will be the natural consequence. Few labourers in the field of literature are more deserving of encouragement and commendation than lexicographers. VOL. 11. (1838.) No. IV.

M M

Nor is their occupation, as sometimes represented, one of mere drudgery. The labour, indeed, of preparing a good dictionary is great, but it is a labour combined with numerous sources of mental gratification. It should ever be remembered, that Milton, while suffering the evils of blindness, cheered his solitude by collecting materials for Latin dictionary; and three folio volumes of authorities, are records of the recreations and pastime of a mind occupied in the splendid creations of "Paradise Lost."

ART. V.-Hints to the Charitable, being Practical Observations on the proper Regulation of Private Charity. Intended principally for the Use of those who take an active Interest in Village Economy. By the Hon. and Rev. S. G. OSBORNE. London: Boon. 1838. MANY schemes in recent times have been afloat, not a few have been put to the trial, with a design to elevate the moral character, the social condition, and the comforts merely as regards the means of existence of the poor and the labouring classes. It is also an established fact, in the history of the human race, that the moment a man is conscious of being independent, that is, not to be the object of almsgiving, he not only thereafter becomes one of the productive, instead of what we called the non-productive classes of society; but he rises in the scale of intellect, and in whatever way can confer benefit and honour on himself and the community. Savings' Banks, Benefit Societies, the Poor Law Amendment Act, are instances where private as well as public exertions have been made to advance the interests of the state and the immediate condition of individuals and families, which have all been crowned with certain degrees of success. Among the measures that have been lately devised, and upon a sagacious and accurate conception of human nature (even when hampered and degraded, if you will by poverty,) as well as upon truly popular principles, is the "National Loan Fund," with the nature, the scope, and the capabilities of which every newspaper reader must be generally acquainted. We have every confidence in this enlightened scheme and institution, that it will work a revolution in a vast multitude of cases, and consequently nationally; especially where a small advance, where the command of a few pounds, will enable a tradesman, a dealer, any industrious poor man, at once to establish himself upon a footing, where something like an adequate return may be expected, and will result from his exertions. In such a case the strongest possible, because immediate and obvious, motives will be created and felt in favour of industry and economy. Previous good resolutions will be strengthened, new ones will be originated, concomitant advantages will be appreciated, and never afterwards, excepting in cases of the grossest suicidal infatuation, can such a man

incur the risk of being robbed of the constant and conscious delight that is inseparable from a sense of being independent, of having a right to hold up his head among men, and of being prepared when death calls him hence, to say, I leave not a family to be a burden to the parish.

We think that the "National Loan Fund" will, (and to a certain extent, the proof has already been given,) produce upon a broad and influential scale, the mighty economical and moral benefits towards which we have glanced. It would be too much, however, to expect that the Institution will be universely applicable, or that in every instance, where it is applicable that advantage be taken of it. Obduracy, ignorance, extreme poverty, and the recklessness or helplessness and despair arising from extreme poverty's great pressure, require to be appealed to by some closer, gentler, more assiduous, and more available methods and kindnesses. Besides, as in besieging vice, all other evils, in the social state, are most effectually assailed by direct efforts made against individual and defined points. Many philanthropists have wasted their energies by contemplating too much; by regarding every plan for ameliorating the condition of society, and of large sections of the people as unworthy of their time that had not grandeur in its front and a glorious reformation in its promise; but narrower, well, and practically directed measures are often far more fruitful of good.

In these circumstances it has been with the most cordial welcome and perfect satisfaction that we have received and read the little tract now before us; nor can it but be conducive to the benefit and satisfaction of others, when we now proceed to copy some portion of its contents, and to notice its leading principles; for thereby its circulation must be considerably enlarged, because in whatever breast real charity has taken up its abode, it is impossible that this plain, familiar, and engaging exposition, (price, a trifle) will not be greedily sought after, and earnestly perused, the moment that some of its excellences and contents are understood.

These Hints are intended principally for the use of those who take an active interest in village economy, and are calculated to be particularly applicable where there is a poor rural population. In such cases, among farm-labourers, for example, we do not see how such an institution as the National Loan Fund can be directly of much service. We do most clearly perceive, however, that if every rural parish possessed a clergyman, a gentleman, a philanthropist like the author of the present little work, there would instantly and universally over the land be a reformation and a revolution of the most palpable and gladdening description, a well-fed, well-clothed, and a well-behaved peasantry would instantly start into being; education would be widely encouraged; and recklessness, improvidence, immorality of every other kind, would become the exception not the general rule of our landward population. It ought to be