Page:Philosophical Transactions - Volume 004.djvu/71

 is of Breath vocalized: And these again, more particularly, are either (after they have passed the Larynx) only in the Mouth; or else have passage at the same time through the Nose. So there are four kinds of Matter, Breath Oral, Voice Oral, Breath Ore-Nasal, and Voice Ore-Nasal.

Next, 'Tis to be examin'd, How many different Articulations can be made by several Motions and Postures of the Organs in the parts of the Mouth; which applied severally to the Kinds of Matter, may make several Discriminations of Sound to the Ear, i. e. several Letters; And of these (as to Consonants, viz. Letters made by Appulse) our Author finds, and hath described 9. And if possibly any more may he found out, he judges it to be most likely, that they will not recompense the Discoverers pains, by being of; ready and graceful use, but will be fitter to be cast out among several others; to which in his Scheme of Consonants he hath prefix'd an Obelisk.

Now by these 9 Articulations with Appulse, there will he fram'd Consonants Spirital 9; Vocal 9; Naso-spirital 9; Naso-vocal 9; in all 36. Then rejecting those, that prove not graceful; nor easie to be pronounced; viz. 2. Spiritals, 2 Naso-spiritals, and 6 Naso-vocals, in all 17; there will remain 19 Consonants proper for use, according to the design of Letters. And if those, to whom these 19 Consonants (or about that number) appear'd and stood in such confus'd Order, some in Ternaries, some in Pairs, and some Single, were themselves put into so much Confusion, and so puzzled to give a Methodical and Natural Accompt of them, it is no matter of wonder. But now, looking upon them, as they lie in their Original Differences and Combinations, and as they are selected out of a Natural Stock of 9 Quaternions, or 4 Novenaries, 'tis judged, that their Nature and Differences lie most plain and obvious to be understood.

That which renders this Piece the more commendable; is its Usefulness, to which the Author hath excellently applied his Considerations of this Subject; viz. The instructing of Persons Deaf and Dumb. In the performance of which, he hath first removed the great Objections and Difficulties that lie in the way, and seem to discourage that Design, and to portend it infesible. Which done, he delivers those particulars, that give encouragement to that Undertaking; which he doth from his own practice therein; it being certain, that such a Work as this, is not to be perfected by Study alone, but must and will receive many hints and helps (not to be thought on otherwise) which the Endeavour is excited, being under Experiment and Practice. Rh