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

"An Essay on the Origin of Language, Based on Modern Researches" by Frederic W. Farrar is a scholarly treatise written in the mid-19th century. The book explores the intricate development of language, examining the various theories surrounding its origin, including ideas of language as an innate faculty, a product of imitation and convention, and a divine revelation. Instead of offering a singular perspective, Farrar aims to synthesize the contributions of notable philologists, reflecting on the complex relationships between language, thought, and human history. The opening of the essay establishes the significance of language as an essential aspect of human existence and civilization. Farrar eloquently describes the faculty of speech as a divine gift that distinguishes humans from animals, emphasizing the importance of philology in understanding both individual and collective human experience. He outlines three main theories regarding the origins of language while advocating for a comprehensive approach that integrates insights from various thinkers. Throughout this portion, there is a clear intention to engage with both historical sources and recent findings, setting the stage for a deep exploration of the development, nature, and impact of language on humanity. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Dean Frederic William Farrar was a senior-ranking cleric of the Church of England, schoolteacher and author. He was a pallbearer at the funeral of Charles Darwin in 1882. He was a member of the Cambridge Apostles secret society. He was the Archdeacon of Westminster from 1883 to 1894, and Dean of Canterbury from 1895 until his death in 1903.