This book is a groundbreaking study of the structure and evolution of language, and an influential critique of the linguistic theories of John Horne Tooke. It explores the nature of language as a system of signs and symbols, and the relationship between language, thought, and reality. Written in a clear and accessible style, and drawing on a wide range of sources, it provides a thought-provoking glimpse into the mind of one of the leading thinkers of the early 19th century. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.