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The second of nine editions of Joseph Priestley's influential textbook, this enlarged version first appeared in 1769.
List of contents
Preface; The general distribution; 1. Of the inflections of words; 2. Of the grammatical use and signification of certain words; 3. Of syntax; 4. Of prosody; 5. Of figures; Appendix of verbs irregularly inflected; Notes and observations for the use of those who have made some proficiency in the language.
About the author
English scientist, theologian, and political theorist Joseph Priestley (1733-1804) made numerous contributions to chemistry, physics, and philosophy. Priestley, who was raised in Birstall, West Yorkshire, attended local schools before going to Daventry Academy, where he became very interested in natural philosophy. Priestley made significant scientific advances. His greatest-known distxtery, made in 1774, was oxygen, which he dubbed "dephlogisticated air." His investigations into gases and their characteristics, which are detailed in "Experiments and Observations on Different Kinds of Air," greatly enhanced our knowledge of chemistry. Priestley also studied nitrous oxide and carbon dioxide, among other gases. In addition to his scientific interests, Priestley was a prolific writer on theological and political topics as well as a dissident clergyman. He received criticism for his Unitarian beliefs and his perceived radical religious ideas. Priestley was a liberal and democratic idealist whose political writings shaped the early American history.
Summary
Together with companion lectures (also reissued), this popular textbook won Joseph Priestley (1733–1804) a reputation as one of the foremost grammarians of his time. Unlike many comparable works, it assumes no knowledge of Latin, championing usage above all other linguistic standards. This second edition first appeared in 1769.
