Whether, or how far, language is to the mind itself _the instrument of thought_, is a question of great importance in the philosophy of both.

Our literature contains occasional assertions bearing upon this point, but I know of no full or able discussion of it.[30] Cardell's instructions proceed upon the supposition, that neither the reason of men, nor even that of superior intelligences, can ever operate independently of words.
"Speech," says he, "is to the mind what action is to animal bodies.

Its improvement is the improvement of our intellectual nature, and a duty to God who gave it."-- _Essay on Language_, p.3.

Again: "An attentive investigation will show, that there is no way in which the individual mind can, within itself, to any extent, _combine its ideas_, but by the intervention of words.

Every process of the reasoning powers, beyond the immediate perception of sensible objects, depends on the structure of speech; and, in a great degree, according to the excellence of this _chief instrument of all mental operations_, will be the means of personal improvement, of the social transmission of thought, and the elevation of national character.