Page:Reflections upon ancient and modern learning (IA b3032449x).pdf/96

 matical Analogy of Latin and Greek, or of their Skill in the Grammar of their Mother-Tongues. Besides, Grammar may either be considered Mechanically, or Philosophically. Those consider it Mechanically, who only examine the Idiotisms and Proprieties of every particular Language, and lay down Rules to teach them to others. Those consider it as Philosophers, who run over the several Steps, by which every Language has altered its Idiom; who enquire into the several Perfections and Imperfections of those Tongues with which they are acquainted, and (if they are living Languages) propose Methods how to remedy them, or, at least, remove those Obscurities which are thereby occasioned in such Discourses where Truth is only regarded, and not Eloquence.

Now, this Mechanical Grammar of Greek and Latin has been very carefully studied by Modern Criticks. Sanctius, Scioppius, and Gerhard Vossius, besides a great Number of others, who have occasionally shown their Skill in their Illustrations of Ancient Authors, have given evident Proofs how well they understood the Latin Tongue: So have Caninius, Clenard, and abundance more, in Greek: Wherein they have gone upon sure