Page:AnEssayTowardsARealCharacterAndAPhilosophicalLanguage.pdf/403
(Z) is by ſome ſtiled (S) molle. 'Tis properly the Greek (ζ) and the Hebrew (ז). 'Tis framed by an appulſe of the tongue towards the upper Teeth or Gums, and then forcing out the breath from betwixt the tongue and the upper teeth, with a vocal ſound, which makes a more denſe kind of hiſſing, mixed with ſome kind of murmur, apumq; ſuſurro perſimilem: 'Tis of the ſame affinity with S, as B with P, D with T, and G with C. That double Letter in the Hebrew (צ) which is by ſome accounted equivolent to this, is of a quite different power, as were eaſie to illuſtrate by ſeveral examples.
(S) the correſpondent mute (though it be commonly reckoned for a ſemivowel) is framed as the former, but without any vocal ſound. 'Tis ſtiled Sibilus. The power of it is the natural ſound of Hiſſing; for which reaſon 'tis called Litera Serpentina. The Hebrews have two Characters for this Letter, beſides two others for its Allies. Among the Perſians all words that ſignifie Grandeur and Magnificence, are ſaid to be terminated with it: Though others condemn it for a harſh, unpleaſing, quarelling Letter. Meſſala Corvinus, a great man, and a famous Orator among the Romans, is ſaid to have writ a particular Treatiſe againſt this Letter, much eſteemed of amongſt learned men. And Pindar likewiſe writ an Ode againſt it, verſus ἀσίγμους, wherein there was no word that had any S in it. The diſability of pronouncing this Letter, is called Blaeſitas, Liſping, when 'tis corruptly ſounded like (th).
(Zh) the ſonorous Conſonant, and (Sh) its correſpondent mute, are framed by a percolation of the breath, betwixt the tongue rendered concave, and the teeth both upper and lower: The firſt being vocal, the other mute. Though they are not provided for commonly by diſtinct and ſimple Characters, yet are they diſtinct and ſimple letters; both of them facil and common: The firſt amongſt the French, who expreſs it by I, as in the word Iean, &c. and is eaſily imitable by us:Judges 12. 6. And though the other did once coſt 42000 men their lives, for not being able to pronounce it, yet is it of common uſe with many Nations.
2. By Semiſpiritous or half breathed Conſonants, are meant ſuch as are accompanied with ſome kind of vocal murmure, as B, D, G. whereas
3. Thoſe are ſtiled non-ſpiritous or breathleſs, which are wholly mute; as, P, T, C.
(B and P) are framed when the breath is intercepted by the cloſure of the Lips; the firſt of them being more ſoft, with ſome kind of murmure, the other more hard and wholly mute.
(D and T) are commonly framed, by an appulſe or colliſion of the top of the tongue againſt the teeth, or upper gums; the firſt being more ſoft and gentle, with ſome kind of murmure, the other wholly mute.
(G and C) are framed more inwardly, by an interception of the breath towards the throat, by the middle or root of the tongue, with ſuch a kind of difference between them, as there is betwixt the two former pairs.