Book Description

Excerpt from Etymological and Pronouncing Dictionary of the English Language: Including a Very Copious Selection of Scientific Terms for Use in Schools and Colleges and as a Book of General Reference Where, too, there is such a variety of type, symbols, and marks employed, and so many elaborate details, errors may occur. It is believed, however, that these will be found but few in number, and of little importance. Besides the Rev. Mr Phelp, already referred to, highly-qualified gentlemen were engaged on the revision of the proof-sheets as they were passing through the press. The Author begs to acknowledge his obligations to those gentlemen for their important services. Dr Page, Professor of Geology in the Durham University of Physical Science, Newcastle, and author of well-known works on Geology and Physical Geography, specially attended to the correctness of the numerous scientific terms introduced into the work. To give a list of authorities used in compiling the present work would serve no good end. Suffice it to say that numerous works have been diligently consulted and compared, including the best and most recent authorities. While the Author's field of review has been a very extensive one, and while he has of necessity trodden a path common to authors of works of the same kind, it is hoped that no undue use of materials from other works has been made. The most laborious care has been employed, and considerable expense incurred, in securing accuracy. The Author trusts that this work will secure public approbation, and fulfil, in the opinion of those best able to judge, the objects for which it is chiefly designed. In this Edition a considerable number of important corrections have been introduced into the body of the work. A Supplement and a List of Proper Names have also been added. The Supplement contains about 450 additional words - chiefly such new scientific and other words as are now becoming current in our popular literature. Several emendations referring to the body of the work, and new explanatory matter, have also been inserted in the Supplement. The List of Proper Names consists of (1) Scripture proper names taken afresh from the authorised version, (2) all the proper names found in the Apocrypha, (3) common classical names, and (4) common historical and other names - all respelt for pronunciation according to the method employed in the Dictionary. In placing the accent, the authority of Smart and Dr Smith has been followed - chiefly the latter. In respelling the proper names, and employing the sound-symbols used in the Dictionary, a distinctness and precision have been given to the pronunciation of them never before attempted. Dr Page and the Rev. Mr Phelp have carefully read over the Supplement. Mr Phelp, and two other gentlemen well known in the literary world, kindly took the trouble carefully to go over the List of Proper Names, and adapt their pronunciation to English usage. It will be observed, however, that though the pronunciation according to English idiom and usage has been preferred, the strictly classical has been sufficiently often indicated. It is hoped that, with these improvements and additions, this work will not only maintain the high position which it has already attained, but find increasing favour with the general public. About the Publisher Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com