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The Skwok Wan, or Etymologicom.
APRIL,
ordinates. Written characters sometimes have different meanings; and if all these are brought together, they will be very numerous. From a full tide, gathering a few drops, we should then turn upwards to the fountain head. Selecting some of the most important characters of the language, I have treated of them in a number of Excursuses, in Sects. XXXIII, xxxiv, and xXXV.
The sense of characters is sometimes subtle and profound; and if not thoroughly comprehended by the student, all his literary efforts will be mere vagaries. A Removal of Vagaries I have attempted in Sect. XXXVI.
Natural endowments are distinctive. Friends have their associates. As among
flowers and trees, so universally there are distinctions and diversities. Should ten thousand classes of objects be brought together, they would not rob each other of their order. I have made a Collec- tion of Classes in Sect. xxxvII.
As written language has in it what words can not fully express, so it is with single words; and if their explanation be too diffuse, fidelity will be lost; if too concise, perspicuity will be wanting. The natural properties of objects, whether similar or diverse, should be fully deve- loped, and made perfectly clear and distinct. An Explication of Errata I have prepared in Sect. xxxviii.
Books having been lost, and leaves torn away, different readings have been introduced; and the emendations and corrections not being clear, these in after times have been left in doubt. A Resolution of Doubts I have given in Sect. xXX/X.
In high antiquity Fuhhí, by means of his diagrams, gave the clue. The Yellow Emperor invented writing, and Tsángkieh extended the system. In the middle of the Chau dyasty, the emperor Siuen became its patron, and his minister Sz'chau received the succession and transmitted it to Hü Shin, who gave it the finishing line. Under his care its highest purpose was attained. If committed to improper hands, errors must ensue. Our august Sovereign, in his turn becom ing its patron, investigated the ancient lore, penetrating into what was dark, and searching out what was obscure; and thus all things were made to appear
in their true light. Committing these to me, his minister, I have attempted to perform my task, as described in Sect. XL,
No. 6.—Original Preface by Hü Shin Shuhchung. In ancient times, Páuhí's royal sway extended over all beneath the heavens. Directing his attention upwards, he surveyed the images in the heavens. Then turning downwards, he surveyed the forms on
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