Introduction to the science of language, Volume 1 (of 2)

This work offers a thorough grounding in the emerging discipline of comparative philology, laying out the nature, history, and objectives of the science of language. Drawing on the author’s earlier treatise, it presents a systematic catalogue of established facts while keeping theoretical speculation to a secondary role. The tone is scholarly yet inviting, aiming to equip readers with a clear framework for future linguistic research.

The opening chapter provides a concise historical survey, then turns to contemporary societies often labeled “savage” to illustrate the earliest stages of linguistic development. By examining the vocabularies and structures of such groups, the author argues that grammatical simplicity marks the final stage of language evolution, a claim that can be tested against both modern and ancient tongues. This approach bridges the gap between archaeological inference and linguistic analysis, offering a solid foundation for anyone interested in how spoken language has progressed from its primitive roots.