Introduction to the science of language, Volume 1 (of 2)

"Introduction to the Science of Language, Volume 1" by A. H. Sayce is a scholarly examination of the nature and development of language, written in the late 19th century. This academic work provides a thorough and systematic overview of linguistic theory and its historical underpinnings, contributing to our understanding of comparative philology. Sayce, who was affiliated with the University of Oxford, seeks to elucidate the principles of language, its evolution, and its constituents. The opening of the text introduces the author's intent to clarify the complexities of language through a structured exploration of its theories and historical context. Sayce discusses the various philosophies regarding the origin of language, referencing ancient beliefs, and critiques contemporary linguistic assumptions. He sets the groundwork for understanding how language serves not only as a means of communication but also as a reflection of cultural evolution across time and societies, particularly drawing from linguistic developments in ancient civilizations such as those in Babylon and India. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Archibald Henry Sayce FRAS was a pioneer British Assyriologist and linguist, who held a chair as Professor of Assyriology at the University of Oxford from 1891 to 1919. He was able to write in at least twenty ancient and modern languages, and was known for his emphasis on the importance of archaeological and monumental evidence in linguistic research. He was a contributor to articles in the 9th, 10th and 11th editions of the Encyclopædia Britannica.