As an example of this method of study, we subjoin a series of notes on
the passage quoted from Franklin in the last chapter. In our study we
constantly ask ourselves, "Does this use of the word sound perfectly
natural?" At every point we appeal to our _instinct,_ and in time come
to trust it to a very great extent. We even train it. To train our
instinct for words is the first great object of our study.
Notes on Franklin.
(See "How Franklin Learned to Write" in preceding chapter.)
1. "The female sex" includes animals as well as human beings,
and in modern times we say simply "women," though when Franklin wrote
"the female sex" was considered an elegant phrase.
2. Note that "their" refers to the collective noun "sex."
3. If we confine the possessive case to persons we would not say
"for dispute's sake," and indeed "for the sake of dispute"
is just as good, if not better, in other respects.
4. "Ready plenty" is antique usage for "ready abundance."
Which is the stronger?
5. "Reasons" in the phrase "strength of his reasons" is a simple and
forcible substitute for "arguments."
6.
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