The term _grammar_ is derived from the Greek word [Greek: gramma], a letter.

The art or science to which this term is applied, had its origin, not in cursory speech, but in the practice of writing; and speech, which is first in the order of nature, is last with reference to grammar.

The matter or common subject of grammar, is language in general; which, being of two kinds, _spoken_ and _written_, consists of certain combinations either of sounds or of visible signs, employed for the expression of thought.

Letters and sounds, though often heedlessly confounded in the definitions given of vowels, consonants, &c., are, in their own nature, very different things.
They address themselves to different senses; the former, to the sight; the latter, to the hearing.

Yet, by a peculiar relation arbitrarily established between them, and in consequence of an almost endless variety in the combinations of either, they coincide in a most admirable manner, to effect the great object for which language was bestowed or invented; namely, to furnish a sure medium for the communication of thought, and the preservation of knowledge.
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