An essay on the origin of language, based on modern researches, and especially on the works of M. Renan

CHAPTER VI.

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METAPHOR.

We know nothing absolutely.--Language an asymptote.--Necessity of analogy to express things.--All words ultimately derivable from sensible ideas.--Instances in the Semitic languages.--Graphic effects thus produced.--Words involve all history.--Catachresis and metaphor.--Defence of both from the charge of imperfection.--Necessity, power, and value of metaphor.--Comparisons of style.--Rigid accuracy and clumsiness of scientific terminology.--Words are but symbols.--The two worlds.--Poetry of life to the primal man, and its influence on language.--A nation’s language expresses its character. 116