Blair Collection > Celtic researches, on the origin, traditions & language, of the ancient Britons

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repetition of the voices \vhich they uttered : and thus it
was that the names of the famihar objects were acquired,
and the sohd ground-work of human language^ laid upon
the basis of natural principles.
At the moment that human societi/ commenced, man
was alrtady in possession of language, which, therefore,
could not possibly have originated in a tacit compact :
though it be admitted, that a compact of this, or of a similar
nature, has much to do, in regulating the copious dialects
of cultivated life. From these dialects, the original speech
of man's first parents must have differed widely, in its com•
pass, and structure.
Language being only a medium for the expression, and
communication of human ideas, and sensations, can be no
further necessary, than as it is conducive to these ends.
And as all human societies, however simple, and rude,
possess language enough to communicate their usual range
of ideas, — but no more, — we may, of course, presume that
such was the case witli Adam.
The compass of Ids language could only have been com-
mensurate with his occasions for speech. His memory can-
not have been encumberd with a multitude of terms, to which
he could attach no meaning. To what kind of terms could
his inexperience have attached meanings ? It is not pretended
that he was instructed in philosophical mysteries. He could,
then, have had no terms which primarily expressed any gci-
enrific, or philosophical ideas.
The numerous arts of civil life were yet undiscovered.
The various occupations, and employments of men, in so-
ciety, which might have demanded their several terms, and
phrases, were, not as yet, known. Tliere were no public