Page images
PDF
EPUB

A SERIES OF ETYMOLOGICAL CLASS-BOOKS,

CONSISTING OF

1. THE FIRST BOOK OF ETYMOLOGY. By JOSEPH THOMAS, M. D. [Price 40 cts.]

2. THE CLASS-BOOK OF ETYMOLOGY. By JAMES LYND, A. M. [Price 50 cts.]

3. AN ETYMOLOGICAL DICTIONARY OF THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE. BY JOHN OSWALD. [Price $1.]

THE introduction of the study of the Etymology of the English language, as a branch of instruction in the "Common" or "Grammar" Schools of our country, is of comparatively recent date. Its value, however, has been tested in the Public Grammar Schools of Philadelphia for a term of six years, and for several years in the Public Schools of corresponding grade in Boston, New York, Brooklyn, Baltimore, and other cities, and, it is believed, in most of these schools, with the most satisfactory results.

The advantages claimed to result from the prosecution of this study, in "Common" or "Grammar" Schools, may be briefly stated as follows:-

1. It imparts to the pupil a more thorough and precise knowledge of the meaning of the words of the English language than can be obtained by any other process in the same period of time.

2. It trains the mind of the pupil to habits of analysis and generalization-a desideratum in all systems of education, which is supplied by mathematical studies to the collegiate student, and by this study, it is believed, better than by any other, to the common-school pupil. In some of the High-Schools and Academies of our country, the study has been pursued for many years with great advantage to the pupils; but, until a recent date, it has not been extensively introduced into this class of schools. Indeed, from the fact that classical studies are usually pursued in them, some have been disposed to consider this study as a useless or unnecessary branch of instruction in them. But experience has proven that much benefit results from the study to the high-school pupil, not only by its leading him to the habitual and thorough analysis of compound words, but from its imparting to him a knowledge of the meaning of scientific terms, which are derived from roots rarely found in the classics that are read in our schools and colleges.

With these few preliminary remarks the publishers proceed briefly to describe the works above named.

THOMAS'S FIRST BOOK OF ETYMOLOGY.

THE FIRST BOOK OF ETYMOLOGY, designed to promote precision in the use, and facilitate the acquisition of a knowledge of the English language. For beginners. (On the basis of "The First Book of Etymology," by James Lynd, A. M.) By Joseph Thomas, M. D.

The leading features of this work may be briefly stated thus:

1. The nature of roots, prefixes, and suffixes, and the distinction between primitive and derivative, simple and compound words, are explained.

2. The prefixes and suffixes of Latin, Greek, and other origin are given, and their various meanings fully and clearly stated and explained.

3. Exercises are given, designed primarily to impress on the mind of the pupil the varions meanings of the prefixes and suffixes, and also to introduce to the analysis of the words of our language generally.

4. The principal Latin, Greek, and other roots of our language, arranged in a.phabetical order, are inserted; and under each are placed the more important English words derived therefrom, with the literal or etymological meaning, and the proper or usually accepted meaning of each derivative affixed to it.

*The First Book of Etymology, by James Lynd, A. M., was published by E. C. & J. B. in the year 1847; the work similarly entitled, by Dr. Thomas, they published in 1852. The Jatter, which is described above, is believed to comprise many improvements on the former work; but the publication of the former is continued in order that teachers using it in their clases may have the option of continuing so to do, or of introducing the work of Dr. Tho mas, when and in such manner as they may desire and find convenient.

5. A KEY is appended, referring every English word, in the preceding vocabulary, to its sp propriate Latin, Greek, or other root, prefix, &c., thus enabling the pupil who is wholly unacquainted with any language other than the English to pursue the study of its et mology without difficulty.

6. Throughout the work distinctive varieties of type are used to designate clearly the particular portion of the definition of each English derivative corresponding with its root, prefix, and suffix, or such of them as compose the derivative; and copious notes are appended by which, and the use of the distinctive types just referred to, the connection between the literal or etymological and the proper or usually accepted meaning of the English derivatives is traced and fully explained. These two important features thus fully carried out, it is believed, are peculiar to this work, and add much to its value.

The edition of Mr. Lynd, or that of Dr. Thomas, is now in use, as a class-book, in the Pub lie Grammar Schools of Philadelphia, Boston, New York, Brooklyn, and many other cities; in the Public High-Schools of Baltimore, and very extensively in Academies and private Semb naries in many parts of our country.

LYND'S CLASS-BOOK OF ETYMOLOGY.

THE CLASS-BOOK OF ETYMOLOGY, designed to promote precision in the use, and facilitate the acquisition of a knowledge of the English language. By James Lynd. A. M.

The contents of this volume are briefly as follows:

1. An Introductory Chapter, on the origin of language, and the rise and progress of the English language: pp. 18.

2. A chapter on Prefixes and Suffixes. By Dr. Thomas: pp. 14.

3. The Latin, Greek, and other roots of the English language, arranged in alphabetical order, with a large proportion of the English words derived from each root placed under it and defined: pp. 164.

This chapter or Part of the work contains a considerably larger number of derivatives and roots than the corresponding part of "Thomas's First Book of Etymology."

4. A chapter on English words principally of Gothic origin, containing about one thousand words of the class designated: pp. 36,

5. A chapter on English words derived from the Latin through the French: for the use of advanced pupils: pp. 8.

6. A carefully prepared table of English Synonymes; which will be found of essential value to the pupil engaged at English composition: pp. 44.

7. The concluding Chapter is a KEY, referring each of the thirty thousand English deriva tive words contained in "Oswald's Etymological Dictionary" to its appropriate Latin, Greek, or other root, prefix, &c.: pp. 58.

This work is in use as a class-book in the Public Grammar Schools of Philadelphia, the Public High-Schools of Baltimore, &c.

OSWALD'S ETYMOLOGICAL DICTIONARY.

AN ETYMOLOGICAL DICTIONARY OF THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE, by John Oswald. With an introductory essay on modes of teaching English Composition in schools, and the importance of Etymological Analysis as an auxiliary thereto, by J. M. Keagy, M. D. New edition; in which Parts I and II, on the Prefixes and Suffixes of the English language have been revised and enlarged, and improved by the addition of co pious explanatory notes, by Joseph Thomas, M. D. To which is appended a KEY, which refers each of the English derivatives in Part III to its appropriate Latin, Greek, or other root, prefix, &c., by James Lynd, A. M.

The contents of this work are as follows:

1. An introductory chapter on modes of teaching English Composition in schools, and the importance of Etymological Analysis as an auxiliary thereto, by J. M. Keagy, M. D.: pp. 26. 2. A chapter on the Latin, Greek, and other Prefixes and Suffixes of the English language, by Joseph Thomas, M. D.: pp. 39.

3. The Latin, Greek, and other roots of the English language, arranged in alphabetical crder, with a full list of the English words derived from each root placed under it: PP. 466. About thirty thousand English derivatives are contained in this Part.

4. A KEY, which refers each of the thirty thousand English derivatives in Part III to its appropriate Latin. Greek, or other root, prefix, &c.: pp. 58.

This work is used in the Public High and Normal Schools of Philadelphia, and extensive:y 'n Public High-Schools and other Seminaries of a similar grade throughout the United States.

CLEVELAND'S ENGLISH LITERATURE OF THE NINETEENTH CENTURY. $1.50.

ENGLISH LITERATURE OF THE NINETEENTH CENTURY, Chronologically Arranged. Consisting of biographical sketches of the authors and selections from their works; with notes explanatory, illustrative, and directing to the best editions and various criticisms; being a sequel to the "Compendium of English Literature." Designed as a text-book for Colleges, Academies, and the highest classes in other schools. By Charles D. Cleveland. Stereotype Edition.

In the Stereotype Edition of the above-named work, biographical sketches of twentyseven authors, with selections from their writings, will be found, which did not appear in the first edition. The following notices refer to the first edition.

OPINIONS OF THE PRESS.

From "The Evangelical Review," [being written by Prof. Stoever, of Marshall College.] "We are confident that any one who examines it will be pleased with it, and will unite with us in the opinion that the Editor has rendered great service by the publication. It is not only an excellent text-book for the higher classes in schools and the junior classes in colleges, but it is an interesting work for private reading, and exceedingly useful for reference. The biographical sketches are discriminating and beautifully written; the selections are judicious, and eminently fitted to introduce the student to the most finished compositions in the English language."

From "Norton's Literary Advertiser," New York.

"Mr. Cleveland, in this and in his former work, the Compendium of English Literature' prior to the 19th century, has had a higher aim than ordinary compilers. He has not chosen a few brilliant writers, in order to make a flashy book; nor is his idea to give a smattering to the reader, a slight acquaintance with works which ought to be thoroughly known by everybody. His book is rather like a bill of fare to some splendid entertainment, which it is well carefully to examine before beginning to partake."

From "The National Era," Washington, D. C.

"The volume (containing more than 700 pages) abounds in evidences of the author's familiarity with the best English writers of this century, and with their best passages. An almost boundless field before him, he has collected enough of its products within a small compass to excite an admiration for its vast riches. He has also made such selections as to give a clear insight into the tone and style of the writers from whom he quotes."

From "The Evangelist," New York.

"It is a work of scholarship and taste, and embodies an amount of admirable sentiment, lofty eloquence, and true poetry, which makes us proud that we speak the tongue of Euglishmen."

From "The Presbyterian," Philadelphia.

"It is, perhaps, saving enough of the present volume, that it is in all respects equal to the "Compendium,' which has already received a public verdict in its favor."

From "The Episcopal Recorder," Philadelphia.

"The reader is here introduced to the flowery Alison, the practical Arnold, the polishel Blair, the thoughtful Foster, the humorous Hood, the drab-coated Bernard Barton, the en thusiastic, eloquent, but half-deranged Edward Irving, the florid Milman, the erratic but ponderous Brougham, the prolific Walter Scott, the original, satirical Sydney Smith, with Prelates, Poets, Philosophers, Politicians, and others, numbering altogether about fourscore.”

From "The Banner of the Cross," Philadelphia.

"The rich field from which the Editor has gathered his choice selections, together with the literary reputation which bespeaks his fitness for the task, are enough to assure us that this book is admirably suited for its end."

From "The Common-School Journal," Boston.

"We commend the selection to all who wish to keep the well of English undefiled, and to resist the tendency of the popular literature of the day."

From "The Boston Evening Gazette."

"We can assure the reader that he will find it a very interesting volume,-one which can be taken up at almost any moment, and perused for a half hour or more with profit."

From "The American Courier," Philadelphia.

"It is quite sufficient of this noble volume to say, that it is based on the plan of the au thor's Compendium of English Literature,'-a work which has more judicious reading and sterling excellence than any other ever issued for similar purposes."

MISCELLANEOUS PUBLICATIONS.

AIKIN.-The Christian Minstrel. With a New System of Musical Notation. 87) ets.
AIKIN.-The Juvenile Minstrel. With a New System of Musical Notation. 31 eta
AMERICAN ORATORY.-Select Speeches of distinguished American Oratorz. $1.57].
CANNING.-Select Speeches of the Rt. Hon. George Canning. $1.371
CHATHAM, BURKE, AND ERSKINE.-Select Speeches of. 8vo. $1.37].
CHRISTIAN LIBRARY.—2 vols., imperial 8vo. Each vol. $1.50.
CLEVELAND.—A Compendium of English Literature, chronologically arranged, from
the earliest period to the close of the 18th century. 8vo. $1.75.

COMMON SCHOOL JOURNAL of the State of Pennsylvania, for the year 1844. 8vo.
CRITTENDEN'S Double-Entry Book-Keeping. Counting-House Edition. Sup. royal Sto.
(Blauk Books in which to write the exercises contained in the work, and
a Key to the work, also published by E. C. & J. B.)

DICK-The Works of Thomas Dick, LL. D. 10 vols., 12mo. Embellished with a portrait
of the author in steel, and with wood-cuts representing 500 different objects.
Vol. 1.-PHILOSOPHY OF A FUTURE STATE. 12mo.

"2-PHILOSOPHY OF RELIGION. 12mo.

"3.-THE CHRISTIAN PHILOSOPHER. Fine edition. 12mo.

"4-ON THE IMPROVEMENT OF SOCIETY. 12mo.

"5.-ESSAY ON COVETOUSNESS. 12mo.

"6.-ON MENTAL ILLUMINATION AND MORAL IMPROVEMENT OF MANKIND. 12mo.

"7-CELESTIAL SCENERY. 12mo.

"8.-THE SIDEREAL HEAVENS. 12mo.

"9.-THE PRACTICAL ASTRONOMER. 12mo.

"10.-THE SOLAR SYSTEM; and, THE ATMOSPHERE AND ATMOSPHE RICAL PHENOMENA. 12mo. The two works in 1 Vol.

CHEAP EDITION.-The above-named 10 vols., containing more than 3,600 duc decimo pages, neatly bound in 5 vols., and sold for $3 25. Fine ed. in many styles. DUNLAP.-A Book of Forms. Third edition, much enlarged &c. 8vo. $4. FISKE.-Manual of Classical Literature; from the German of Eschenburg. 8vo. $3.50. FISKE.-Supplemental Volume of Plates illustrating the Manual of Classical Literatura. Svo. $1.

FOSTER.-An Address to the Young on the Importance of Religion. 32mo. 20 cts. HALL.-The Beauties of Robert Hall. 18mo. 25 cts.

HOOKER.-The Family Book of Devotion. 8vo. $1.25.

MCKENNEY AND HALL-History of the Indian Tribes of North America. With 120 colored portraits. Polio, in 20 numbers. $75.

PASTORAL LETTERS, from the House of Bishops to the Members of the P. E. Church in the United States. 12mo. 62 cts.

PHILLIPS, CURRAN, GRATTAN, AND EMMET.-Select Speeches of 8vo. $1.37). ROBINSON CRUSOE.—In a style adapted to the capacity of the Young. 16mo. 50 cts. SLEIGH.-The Christian's Defensive Dictionary. 12mo.

TAYLOR.-Life of the Poet Cowper. 12mo.

WINDHAM AND HUSKISSON.-Select Speeches of the Rt. Hon. Wm. Windham and the Right Hon. Wm. iluskisson. 8vo.

WILBERFORCE.-Practical View of the Prevailing Religious System of Professed Chris tians &c. 1ámo

10

[ocr errors][ocr errors][ocr errors]
« PreviousContinue »