To illustrate this, I observe that visible figures
represent tangible figures much after the same manner that written words
do sounds. Now, in this respect words are not arbitrary, it not being
indifferent what written word stands for any sound: but it is requisite
that each word contain in it so many distinct characters as there are
variations in the sound it stands for. Thus the single letter A is proper
to mark one simple uniform sound; and the word ADULTERY is accommodated
to represent the sound annexed to it, in the formation whereof there
being eight different collisions or modifications of the air by the
organs of speech, each of which produces a difference of sound, it was
fit the word representing it should consist of as many distinct
characters, thereby to mark each particular difference or part of the
whole sound. And yet nobody, I presume, will say the single letter a, or
the word ADULTERY, are like unto, or of the same species with, the
respective sounds by them represented. It is indeed arbitrary that, in
general, letters of any language represent sounds at all: but when that
is once agreed, it is not arbitrary what combination of letters shall
represent this or that particular sound. I leave this with the reader to
pursue, and apply it in his own thoughts.
144.
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