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Applegate: The Anatomy and Physiology Learning System, 4th Edition
Chapter 08: Nervous System

Test Bank

TRUE/FALSE

1. The neurilemma is a white fatty substance around the axons of some neurons.

ANS: F
The white fatty substance is myelin.

2. The most abundant type of neurons is the bipolar neuron.

ANS: F
The most abundant type is multipolar.

3. In inhibitory transmission at the synapse, the neurotransmitter hyperpolarizes the

postsynaptic membrane and makes it more difficult to initiate an impulse.

ANS: T

4. Normally, cerebrospinal fluid is located in the subdural space.

ANS: F
CSF is normally in the subarachnoid space.

5. There is more white matter than gray matter in the cerebral cortex.

ANS: F
The cerebral cortex is entirely gray matter.

6. Collectively, the commissural white fibers that connect the two cerebral
hemispheres are called the corpus callosum.

ANS: T

7. The midbrain consists of the thalamus and hypothalamus.

ANS: F
It consists of the cerebral peduncles and corpora quadrigemina.

8. In most people the spinal cord is at least 2 feet long.

ANS: F

Elsevier items and derived items © 2011 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
Test Bank 8-2

It is normally 17-18 inches long.

9. Somatic efferent pathways utilize two neurons, but the visceral efferent of
autonomic pathway uses only one neuron.

ANS: F
The somatic efferent pathway uses one neuron and the visceral efferent pathway uses
two neurons.

10. Stimulation by the sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system increases
heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure.

ANS: T

MULTIPLE CHOICE

1. Three functional categories of nervous system activities are

a. sensory, motor, and integrative
b. memory, learning, and thought
c. feeling, memory, and speech
d. movement, feeling, and speech
e. hearing, speech, and memory

ANS: A

2. Trauma to the central nervous system is damage to the

a. brain and cranial nerves
b. spinal cord and spinal nerves
c. brain and spinal cord
d. cranial nerves and spinal nerves
e. brain only

ANS: C

3. Cells in nervous tissue that conduct impulses are the

a. neuroglial cells
b. neurons
c. astrocytes
d. ependymal cells
e. neurilemma cells

ANS: B

4. An afferent extension of a neuron is the

a. neurilemma
b. myelin

Elsevier items and derived items © 2011 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
Test Bank 8-3

c. axon
d. dendrite
e. axon terminal

ANS: D

5. The white, fatty covering around some axons is called

a. neurilemma
b. myelin
c. ependyma
d. neurofibril
e. oligodendrocyte

ANS: B

6. The gaps between myelin segments along an axon are called

a. the neurilemma junctions
b. synaptic gaps
c. the nodes of Ranvier
d. oligodendritic lesions
e. interstitial gaps

ANS: C

7. Neurons that carry impulses toward the central nervous system are
a. interneurons
b. association neurons
c. motor neurons
d. efferent neurons
e. sensory neurons

ANS: E

8. Neurons that are totally within the central nervous system are _____ neurons.
a. association
b. afferent
c. efferent
d. motor
e. sensory

ANS: A

9. The type of neuroglia cell that is likely to increase in number during an infection in
the central nervous system is the
a. astrocyte
b. ependymal cell

Elsevier items and derived items © 2011 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
Test Bank 8-4

c. microglia
d. oligodendrocyte
e. satellite cell

ANS: C

10. Which one of the following is NOT found in the CNS?

a. astrocyte
b. microglia
c. ependyma
d. Schwann cell
e. oligodendrocyte

ANS: D

11. Two functional characteristics of neurons are

a. sensitivity and irritability
b. irritability and conductivity
c. feeling and movement
d. afferent and efferent
e. sensory and motor

ANS: B

12. Compared to the inside of the membrane, the outside of the neuron cell membrane
has a
a. higher concentration of sodium and is more positively charged
b. higher concentration of potassium and is more positively charged
c. higher concentration of sodium and is more negatively charged
d. higher concentration of potassium and is more negatively charged
e. lower concentration of potassium and is more negatively charged

ANS: A

13. When a stimulus is applied to a neuron cell membrane, the permeability of the
membrane is altered and _____ diffuses to the _____ of the cell resulting in
depolarization.
a. potassium; inside
b. sodium; inside
c. potassium; outside
d. sodium; outside
e. calcium; outside

ANS: B

Elsevier items and derived items © 2011 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
Test Bank 8-5

14. After depolarization, the neuron cell membrane is repolarized when _____ diffuses
to the _____ of the cell.
a. potassium; inside
b. sodium; inside
c. potassium; outside
d. sodium; outside
e. calcium; outside

ANS: C

15. After an action potential, the cell membrane is restored to resting conditions by the
a. diffusion of sodium and potassium
b. active transport of sodium and potassium
c. passive transport of sodium and active transport of potassium
d. active transport of sodium and passive transport of potassium
e. passive transport of sodium and potassium

ANS: B

16. The minimum stimulus required to initiate a nerve impulse or action potential is
called a(n) _____ stimulus.
a. subliminal
b. subthreshold
c. action
d. threshold
e. impulse

ANS: D

17. Which response is NOT associated with the formation of a nerve impulse?
a. sudden diffusion of sodium ions into the cell
b. threshold stimulus
c. depolarization of a cell membrane segment
d. active transport of potassium
e. inside of the cell membrane becomes more positive

ANS: D

18. An action potential or nerve impulse is conducted along the length of an axon
a. by neurotransmitters
b. as a wave of depolarization from one segment to the next
c. by the diffusion of sodium ions
d. by successive repolarization of the membrane
e. by the action of negative ions

ANS: B

Elsevier items and derived items © 2011 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
Test Bank 8-6

19. The depolarization of a myelinated neuron occurs

a. along the entire length of the cell membrane
b. in the myelinated regions only
c. along the dendrites only
d. only at the nodes of Ranvier
e. along the entire length of the neurilemma

ANS: D

20. Rapid impulse conduction from one node to the next on myelinated fibers is called
_____ conduction.
a. synaptic
b. nodal
c. saltatory
d. transmission
e. neurilemmal

ANS: C

21. The time during which a neuron is recovering from depolarization is the _____
period.
a. refractory
b. transmission
c. repolarization
d. saltatory
e. inhibitory

ANS: A

22. The region of communication between two neurons is the

a. node of Ranvier
b. synapse
c. neurilemma
d. axon terminal
e. axon junction

ANS: B

23. The substance that diffuses across the synaptic cleft from one neuron to the next is
a
a. neurostimulator
b. neurotransmitter
c. neuroinhibitor
d. combination of sodium and potassium
e. receptor for sodium

Elsevier items and derived items © 2011 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
Test Bank 8-7

ANS: B

24. The type of synaptic transmission that makes it more difficult to generate an
impulse is _____ transmission.
a. excitatory
b. convergence
c. inhibitory
d. divergence
e. saltatory

ANS: C

25. A circuit in which a single neuron synapses with multiple neurons is called a(n)
_____ circuit.
a. excitatory
b. convergence
c. inhibitory
d. divergence
e. saltatory

ANS: D

26. Which one of the following represents the correct pathway of an impulse along a
reflex arc?
a. effector, association neuron, sensory neuron, motor neuron, receptor
b. effector, sensory neuron, association neuron, motor neuron, receptor
c. receptor, association neuron, sensory neuron, motor neuron, effector
d. receptor, motor neuron, association neuron, sensory neuron, effector
e. receptor, sensory neuron, association neuron, motor neuron, effector

ANS: E

27. The tough, outermost layer of the meninges is the

a. pia mater
b. arachnoid
c. dura mater

ANS: C

28. The cerebral hemisphere lobe that is directly posterior to the central sulcus is the
a. frontal lobe
b. parietal lobe
c. occipital lobe
d. temporal lobe
e. insula

Elsevier items and derived items © 2011 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
Test Bank 8-8

ANS: B

29. The cerebral cortex is the outermost portion of the cerebrum and consists of
a. gray matter
b. myelinated fibers
c. basal ganglia
d. pia mater
e. convolutions called sulci

ANS: A

30. The band of white fibers that connects the two cerebral hemispheres is the
a. basal ganglia
b. falx cerebri
c. corpus callosum
d. cerebellum
e. diencephalon

ANS: C

31. The precentral gyrus is an important motor area located within the
a. occipital lobe
b. temporal lobe
c. frontal lobe
d. parietal lobe
e. insula

ANS: C

32. In the brain, the visual sense is perceived in the

a. frontal lobe
b. parietal lobe
c. occipital lobe
d. temporal lobe
e. insula

ANS: C

33. Interpretation of sensory impulses from the skin occurs in the

a. frontal lobe
b. parietal lobe
c. occipital lobe
d. temporal lobe
e. insula

ANS: B

Elsevier items and derived items © 2011 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
Test Bank 8-9

34. If a patient exhibits irregular fluctuations in body temperature, loss of appetite, and
lack of thirst sensations, the portion of the brain that is not functioning properly is
probably the
a. cerebrum
b. cerebellum
c. midbrain
d. hypothalamus
e. medulla oblongata

ANS: D

35. The diencephalon includes the

a. cerebrum and cerebellum
b. midbrain and pons
c. hypothalamus and medulla oblongata
d. thalamus and pons
e. thalamus and hypothalamus

ANS: E

36. The most superior portion of the brainstem is the

a. midbrain
b. thalamus
c. pons
d. hypothalamus
e. medulla oblongata

ANS: A

37. The region of the brainstem that contains vital reflex centers for heart rate,
respiration, and blood pressure is the
a. midbrain
b. thalamus
c. pons
d. hypothalamus
e. medulla oblongata

ANS: E

38. Which of the following is INCORRECT concerning the cerebellum?

a. It has an outer layer of convoluted gray matter.
b. It functions with the pons as a respiratory center.
c. It communicates with the rest of the brain through the cerebellar peduncles.
d. It consists of two hemispheres.
e. It is important in maintaining muscle tone, posture, and balance.

Elsevier items and derived items © 2011 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
Test Bank 8-10

ANS: B

39. A defect in the choroid plexus would interfere with an individual's ability to
a. breathe
b. digest food
c. store glycogen
d. form cerebrospinal fluid
e. coordinate muscle activity

ANS: D

40. Cerebrospinal fluid flows from the third ventricle into the fourth ventricle through
the
a. cerebral aqueduct
b. interventricular foramen
c. central canal of spinal cord
d. venous sinuses
e. lateral ventricles

ANS: A

41. Which one of the following is INCORRECT about the spinal cord?
a. It extends from the foramen magnum to the first lumbar vertebra.
b. It is divided into 31 segments.
c. It has a layer of gray matter surrounding white matter.
d. Each segment gives rise to a pair of spinal nerves.
e. It is anchored to the coccyx by a filum terminale.

ANS: C

42. In a nerve, each individual nerve fiber is surrounded by connective tissue called
a. dura mater
b. epineurium
c. pia mater
d. endoneurium
e. perineurium

ANS: D

43. Three cranial nerves that function in eye movements are the
a. optic, oculomotor, and ophthalmic
b. oculomotor, trochlear, and abducens
c. optic, trigeminal, and oculomotor
d. optic, facial, and trigeminal
e. facial, trochlear, and trigeminal

Elsevier items and derived items © 2011 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
Test Bank 8-11

ANS: B

44. Which one of the following is INCORRECT about spinal nerves?

a. There are 7 cervical nerves.
b. There are 12 thoracic nerves.
c. All spinal nerves are mixed nerves.
d. The lumbar nerves contain both sensory and motor components.
e. Except in the thoracic region, the main portion of a spinal nerve forms networks
called plexuses.

ANS: A

45. The spinal nerve plexus that supplies innervation to the arm is the _____ plexus.
a. cervical
b. brachial
c. lumbar
d. sacral

ANS: B

46. Which one of the following is INCORRECT about the autonomic nervous system?
a. It is a visceral efferent system.
b. It is divided into sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions.
c. It is divided into craniosacral and thoracolumbar divisions.
d. Pathways usually have two neurons between the CNS and the effector organ.
e. Epinephrine is the predominant neurotransmitter within the autonomic ganglia.

ANS: E

47. All of the following are true about the sympathetic division EXCEPT
a. it is also called the thoracolumbar division
b. it helps the body cope with emergencies and stress
c. it is an energy-expending system
d. its postganglionic fibers are cholinergic
e. it causes the heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration to increase

ANS: D

48. The parasympathetic nervous system

a. causes constriction of cutaneous blood vessels and dilation of vessels to the
skeletal muscles
b. decreases heart rate and increases secretion of digestive enzymes
c. releases epinephrine from the postganglionic fibers
d. stimulates the sweat glands in stressful situations
e. has only one neuron in the pathway

Elsevier items and derived items © 2011 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
Test Bank 8-12

ANS: B

49. A word that means "without speech" is

a. aphasia
b. anesthesia
c. encephalitis
d. glossopharyngeal
e. atrophy

ANS: A

50. A root that means "tongue" is

a. pharyng-
b. corpor-
c. gloss-
d. gangli-
e. phas-

ANS: C

COMPLETION

1. What are the two components of the central nervous system?

ANS:
brain and spinal cord
spinal cord and brain
brain, spinal cord
spinal cord, brain

2. What is the term for the efferent extension of a neuron?

ANS: axon

3. What is the term for the gap between myelin segments in a myelinated nerve fiber?

ANS: node of Ranvier

4. What is the term for the neuroglia cell that is phagocytic?

ANS: microglia

5. What is the term for the neuroglia cell that binds blood vessels to neurons and
forms the blood brain barrier?

ANS: astrocyte

Elsevier items and derived items © 2011 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
Test Bank 8-13

6. What is the predominant cation in the extracellular fluid outside a nonconducting

neuron?

ANS: sodium

7. What is the term for the type of circuit in which a single presynaptic neuron
synapses with many postsynaptic neurons?

ANS: divergence

8. What is the term for the lobe of the cerebrum that contains the primary motor area?

ANS: frontal lobe

9. What is the term for the lobe of the cerebrum that contains the primary visual area?

ANS: occipital lobe

10. What is the term for the ventricle that is in the region of the diencephalon?

ANS: third ventricle

11. What is the term for the region of the brainstem that contains the pneumotaxic and
apneustic centers?

ANS: pons

12. What is the term for the fluid channel between the third and fourth ventricles?

ANS:
cerebral aqueduct
aqueduct of Sylvius

13. What is the term for the cranial nerve that permits you to smile or frown?

ANS:
facial nerve
VII

14. What is the term for the tenth cranial nerve?

ANS: vagus nerve

15. What is the term for the spinal nerve plexus that supplies innervation to the upper
extremity?

ANS: brachial plexus

Elsevier items and derived items © 2011 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
Exploring the Variety of Random
Documents with Different Content
sense the divine glory may be independent of created beings; but it
is not the primitiv sense of the word, nor the sense which answers
to the original meaning of the Greek doxe, and the Latin gloria.
No right in England and America is so much celebrated as that of
trial by peers; by which is commonly understood, trial by equals. The
right is valuable, but is not derived from the primitiv custom of trial
by equals; on the contrary, it is very questionable whether such a
custom existed prior to Alfred. Yet the trial by peers existed long
before, and can be traced back to the date of the Christian era. The
truth is, the word peer is not derived from the Latin par, equal; but
from the German, or Teutonic bar or par, which signified a
landholder, freeman or judge. The bars were that class of men who
held the fees or property in estates; and from whom the word baron
and the attendant privileges are derived. We have the same root in
baron, baronet, parliament, parish, and many other words, all
implying some degree of authority, eminence or jurisdiction. From
the same word bar or par, (for B and P are convertible letters) the
word peer is derived, as it is used in the common expressions house
of peers, trial by peers. It signified originally, not equals, but judges
or barons. The house of peers in England derives its appellation and
its jurisdiction from the ancient mode of trial by bars or barons; for it
is the final resort in all judicial cases. Yet the ancient English
lawyers, supposing the word to be from the Latin par, equal, have
explained it in that sense, and multiplied encomiums without end
upon the excellence of the privilege. The privilege is valuable, but its
excellence, if it consists in a trial by equals, is modern, compared
with the original custom, which was a trial by barons, or principal
landholders.
It is probable that our modern writers, misunderstanding the term
voluptas, have passed too severe censures upon epicures. The true
primitiv meaning of voluptas was that of pleasurable sensations
arising from innocent gratifications. Our modern word
voluptuousness carries with it a much stronger idea, and hence we
are led into an error reflecting the doctrine of Epicurus, who might
confine his ideas of pleasure to innocent gratifications.
We have been accustomed from childhood to hear the expressions,
the dew falls; the dews of heaven; and it is probable that nine
people out of ten, have never suspected the inaccuracy of the
phrases. But dew is merely the perspiration of the earth; it rises
instead of falling, and rises during the night.[63]
It was also supposed that manna in the eastern countries, came
from above, and it is called in scripture bread from heaven. Yet
manna is a gum, exuding from plants, trees and bushes, when
pierced by certain insects. The truth of this fact was not discovered,
till the middle of the sixteenth century.
Every man knows, when the prices of goods rise, it is said they
become dear; yet when the prices rise in consequence of an
overflowing sum of money in circulation, the fact is that the value of
money falls, and the value of goods remains the same. This
erroneous opinion had an amazing effect in raising popular clamor,
at the commencement of the late revolution.
I will name but one other instance, which has a material influence
upon our moral and religious opinions. It is said in scripture that God
hardened Pharaoh's heart. How? Was there a miracle in the case? By
no means. The manner of speaking leads us into the mistake. The
first cause is mentioned, and not the intermediate cause or causes.
So we should say, that General Washington attacked the British
troops at Monmouth; altho he was at a great distance when the
attack was commenced, and only ordered the attack. I suspect that
similar modes of speaking in scripture often lead superficial minds
into mistakes, and in some instances, giv occasion to infidels to scoff
at passages, which, if rightly understood, would silence all
objections.
This is a fruitful theme, and would lead an ingenious inquirer into a
wide field of investigation. But I have neither time nor talents to do
it justice; the few hints here suggested may have some effect in
convincing my readers of the importance and utility of all candid
researches into the origin and structure of speech; and pave the way
for further investigations, which may assist us in correcting our ideas
and ascertaining the force and beauty of our own language.
 No. XIX.
PHILADELPHIA, 1787.

On VOCAL MUSIC.
The establishment of schools for teaching psalmody in this city is a
pleasing institution; but people seem not to understand the design,
or rather are not aware of the advantages which may result from it,
if properly conducted and encouraged. Most people consider music
merely as a source of pleasure; not attending to its influence on the
human mind, and its consequent effects on society. But it should be
regarded as an article of education, useful as well as ornamental.
The human mind is formed for activity; and will ever be employed in
business or diversions. Children are perpetually in motion, and all
the ingenuity of their parents and guardians should be exerted to
devise methods for restraining this activ principle, and directing it to
some useful object, or to harmless trifles. If this is not done, their
propensity to action, even without a vicious motiv, will hurry them
into follies and crimes. Every thing innocent, that attracts the
attention of children, and will employ their minds in leisure hours,
when idleness might otherwise open the way to vice, must be
considered as a valuable employment. Of this kind is vocal music.
There were instances of youth, the last winter, who voluntarily
attended a singing school in preference to the theatre. It is but
reasonable to suppose, that if they would neglect a theatre for
singing, they would neglect a thousand amusements, less engaging,
and more pernicious.
Instrumental music is generally prefered to vocal, and considered as
an elegant accomplishment. It is indeed a pleasing accomplishment;
but the preference given to it, is a species of the same false taste,
which places a son under the tuition of a drunken clown, to make
him a gentleman of strict morals.
Instrumental music may exceed vocal in some nice touches and
distinctions of sound; but when regarded as to its effects upon the
mind and upon society, it is as inferior to vocal, as sound is inferior
to sense. It is very easy for a spruce beau to display a contempt for
vocal music, and to say that human invention has gone beyond the
works of God Almighty. But till the system of creation shall be new
modelled, the human voice properly cultivated will be capable of
making the most perfect music. It is neglected; sol faing is
unfashionable, and that is enough to damn it: But people who have
not been acquainted with the perfection of psalmody, are incapable
of making a suitable comparison between vocal and instrumental
music. I have often heard the best vocal concerts in America, and
the best instrumental concerts; and can declare, that the music of
the latter is as inferior to that of the former, as the merit of a band
box macaroni is to that of a Cato.
Instrumental music affords an agreeable amusement; and as an
amusement it ought to be cultivated. But the advantage is private
and limited; it pleases the ear, but leaves no impression upon the
heart.
The design of music is to awaken the passions, to soften the heart
for the reception of sentiment. To awaken passion is within the
power of instruments, and this may afford a temporary pleasure; but
society derives no advantage from it, unless some useful sentiment
is left upon the heart.
Instruments are secondary in their use; they were invented
originally, not to supercede, but to assist the voice. The first histories
of all nations were written in verse, and sung by their bards. In later
ages, the oaten reed, the harp and the lyre, were found to improve
the pleasures of music; but the neglect of the voice and of sentiment
was reserved for modern corruption. Ignorant indeed is the man,
and possessed of a wretched taste, who can seriously despise the
humble pleasures of vocal music, and prefer the bare harmony of
sounds. Sentiment should ever accompany music; the sounds should
ever correspond with the ideas, otherwise music loses all its force.
Union of sentiment, with harmony of sounds, is the perfection of
music. Every string of the human heart may be touched; every
passion roused by the different kinds of sounds; the courage of the
warrior; the cruelty of the tyrant; anger; grief; love, with all its
sensibilities, are subject to the influence of music. Even brutes
acknowlege its effects; but while they in common with man feel the
effects of a harmony of mere sounds, man enjoys the superior
felicity of receiving sentiment; and while he relishes the pleasures of
chords in sound, he imbibes a disposition to communicate happiness
to society.
Seldom indeed do men reflect on the connexion between the chords
of music and the social affections. Morality is to immorality, what
harmony is to discord. Society detests vice, and the ear is offended
with discordant sounds. Society is pleased and happified with virtue,
and the ear is delighted with harmony. This beautiful analogy points
out the utility of cultivating music as a science. Harsh discordant
sounds excite the peevish malevolent passions; harmonious sounds
correct and soften the rougher passions.
Every person will acknowlege, that love refines the heart, and
renders it more susceptible, and more capable of social virtue. It is
for this reason that men who have particular attachments to women,
or associate much with ladies of delicacy, are more disposed to do
acts of kindness, in every sphere of life, than those who seldom
frequent ladies company. On the other hand, anger, jealousy, envy,
are dissocial passions; and even when they are excited by a single
object, they poison the heart, and disqualify it for exciting the social
affections towards any of the human race. Every institution,
therefore, calculated to prepare the human heart for exerting the
social virtues, and to suppress or check the malignant passions,
must be highly beneficial to society; and such I consider
establishments in favor of vocal music. Happy, indeed, should I feel,
could I see youth devoted every where to the refinement of their
voices and morals; to see them prefer moral or religious pieces to
the indecent songs or low diversions which taint the mind in early
life, and diffuse their pernicious influence through society.
If the poison of the tarantula may be counteracted by music; if the
Spanish ladies are won by nocturnal serenades; if the soldier is
inspired with courage by the martial sounds of the trumpet, and the
Christian impressed with devout sentiments by the solemn tones of
the organ; what advantage may society derive from the softening
harmony of choirs of voices, celebrating the praises of social virtue!
Happy days! when false taste and false opinions shall vanish before
the progress of truth; when princes shall resume their ancient and
honorable task of teaching the young to be good and great; when
an Addison shall be preferred to a Chesterfield; when the wealth of
nations shall be no longer lavished upon fiddlers and dancers; when
the characters of a Benezet and a Washington shall obscure the
glories of a Cæsar; and when no man shall be ashamed to be good,
because it is unfashionable.
 No. XX.
NEW YORK, JUNE, 1788.

On MORALITY.
"The principles of morality are little understood among savages,"
says Lord Kaimes, "and if they arrive to maturity among enlightened
nations, it is by slow degrees."
With submission to that writer, I would advance another position
equally true, "that the principles of eating and drinking are little
understood by savages, and if they arrive to maturity among civilized
nations, it is by slow degrees."
The truth is, morality consists in discharging the social duties of life;
and so far as the state of savages requires an intercourse of duties,
the moral principles seem to be as perfect in them as in more
enlightened nations. Savages in a perfectly rude state have little or
no commerce; the transactions between man and man are confined
to very few objects, and consequently the laws which regulate their
intercourse and distribute justice, must be few and simple.[64] But
the crime of murder is as severely punished by savages, as by
civilized nations. Nay, I question whether it is possible to name the
barbarous tribe, which suffers an individual to take the life of
another, upon as easy terms as the modern feudal Barons in Europe
may do that of a vassal; or with the same impunity that a planter in
the West Indies takes the life of a slave. I speak of a time of peace,
and of the conduct of savages towards their own tribes. As to war,
every nation of savages has its arbitrary customs, and so has every
civilized nation. Savages are generally partial and capricious in the
treatment of their prisoners; some they treat with a singular
humanity; and others they put to death with the severest cruelty.
Well, do not civilized people the same? Did a savage ever endure
greater torments, than thousands of prisoners during the late war?
But not to mention the practice of a single nation, at a single period;
let us advert to a general rule among civilized nations; that it is
lawful to put to death prisoners taken in a garrison by storm. The
practice grounded on this rule, is as direct and as enormous a
violation of the laws of morality, as the slow deliberate tortures
exercised by the most barbarous savages on earth.
Well, what are the ideas of savages respecting theft? How do they
differ from those of an enlightened people? Many things are
possessed in common, as provisions taken in hunting, corn, &c.
Ferdinand de Soto relates, that the tribes (and he visited hundreds in
Florida) had public granaries of corn laid up for winter, which was
distributed by authority to each family, according to its number. But
for an individual to take from this common stock without license,
was considered as a criminal defrauding of the public. And with
regard to the few articles, in which individuals acquire private
property, the savages have as correct ideas of meum and tuum, of
theft, trespass, &c. and are as careful to guard private property from
invasion, by laws and penalties, as any civilized people. The laws of
the Creeks, the Cherokees, the Six Nations, &c. with regard to these
and many other crimes, in point of reason and equity, stand on a
footing with those of the most civilized nations; and in point of
execution and observance, their administration would do honor to
any government. Among most savage nations there is a kind of
monarchy which is efficient in administration; and among those
tribes which have had no intercourse with civilized nations, and
which have not been deceived by the tricks of traders; the common
arts of cheating, by which millions of enlightened people get a living
or a fortune, are wholly unknown. This is an incontrovertible fact. I
lately became acquainted with a lad of about twelve years old, who
was taken captiv by the Indians in 1778, while a child, and had
continued with them till about ten years old. He had no recollection
of the time when he was taken, and consequently his mind could not
have been corrupted among the English. When he was restored,
agreeable to the treaty, he was a perfect savage; but what I relate
the circumstance for, is this; the lad was not addicted to a single
vice. He was instant and cheerful in obeying commands; having not
even a disposition to refuse or evade a compliance. He had no
inclination to lie or steal; on the other hand, he was always surprised
to find a person saying one thing and meaning another. In short, he
knew not any thing but honesty and undisguised frankness and
integrity. A single instance does not indeed establish a general rule;
but those who are acquainted with the nativs of America can testify
that this is the general character of savages who are not corrupted
by the vices of civilized nations.
But it is said savages are revengeful; their hatred is hereditary and
perpetual. How does this differ from the hatred of civilized nations? I
question much whether the principle of revenge is not as perfect in
enlightened nations, as in savages. The difference is this; a savage
hunts the man who has offended him, like a wild beast, and
assassinates him wherever he finds him; the gentleman pursues his
enemy or his rival with as much rancor as a savage, and even stoops
to notice little affronts, that a savage would overlook; but he does
not stab him privately; he hazards his own life with that of his
enemy, and one or both are very honorably murdered. The principle
of revenge is equally activ in both cases; but its operation is
regulated by certain arbitrary customs. A savage is open and avows
his revenge, and kills privately; the polite and well bred take revenge
in a more honorable way, when life is to be the price of satisfaction;
but in cases of small affronts, they are content with privately
stabbing the reputation or ruining the fortunes of their enemies. In
short, the passions of a savage are under no restraint; the passions
of enlightened people are restrained and regulated by a thousand
civil laws and accidental circumstances of society.
But it will be objected, if savages understood principles of morality,
they would lay such passions under restraint. Not at all: Civil and
political regulations are not made, because the things prohibited are
in their own nature wrong; but because they produce
inconveniencies to society. The most enlightened nations do not
found their laws and penalties on an abstract regard to wrong; nor
has government any concern with that which has no influence on
the peace and safety of society. If savages, therefore, leave every
man to take his own revenge, it is a proof that they judge it the best
mode of preventing the necessity of it; that is, they think their
society and government safer under such a license, than under
regulations which should control the passions of individuals. They
may have their ideas of the nature of revenge independent of
society; but it will be extremely difficult to prove, that, abstracted
from a regard to a Deity and to society, there is such a thing as right
and wrong. I consider morality merely as it respects society; for if
we superadd the obligations of a divine command, we blend it with
religion; an article in which Christians have an infinit advantage over
savages.
Considering moral duties as founded solely on the constitution of
society, and as having for their sole end the happiness of social
beings, many of them will vary in their nature and extent, according
to the particular state and circumstances of any society.
Among the ancient Britons, a singular custom prevailed; which was,
a community of wives by common consent. Every man married one
woman; but a number, perhaps ten or twelve, relations or neighbors,
agreed to possess their wives in common. Every woman's children
were accounted the children of her husband; but every man had a
share in the common defence and care of this little community.[65]
Was this any breach of morality? Not in the least. A British woman,
in the time of Severus, having become intimate with Julia Augusta,
and other ladies, at the court of Rome, had observed what passed
behind the curtain; and being one day reproached for this custom of
the Britons, as infamous in the women, and barbarous in the men;
she replied, "We do that openly with the best of our men, which you
do privately with the worst of yours." This custom, so far from being
infamous or barbarous, originated in public and private convenience.
It prevented jealousy and the injuries of adultery, in a state where
private wrongs could not easily be prevented or redressed. It might
be an excellent substitute for penal laws and a regular
administration of justice. But there is a better reason for the custom,
which writers seem to have overlooked; and this is, that a
community multiplied the chances of subsistence and security. In a
savage life, subsistence is precarious, for it depends on contingent
supplies by hunting and fishing. If every individual, therefore, should
depend solely on his own good luck, and fail of success, his family
must starve. But in a community of twelve, the probability that some
one would procure provisions is increased as twelve to one. Hence
the community of provisions among most savage nations.[66]
The Britons, when the Romans first visited their island, did not
attend much to the cultivation of the earth. "Interiores plerique,"
says Cæsar, "frumenta non serunt, sed lacte et carne vivunt." By
establishing a community of goods, they secured themselves against
the hazard of want; and by a community of wives and offspring,
they confirmed the obligations of each to superintend the whole; or
rather, changed into a natural obligation what might otherwise
depend on the feebler force of positiv compact. Besides, it is very
possible that personal safety from the invasion of tribes or
individuals, might be another motiv for establishing these singular
communities. At any rate, we must suppose that the Britons had
good civil or political reasons for this custom; for even savages do
not act without reason. And if they found society more safe and
happy, with such a custom than without it, it was most undoubtedly
right.
Should it be said, that a community is prohibited by divine
command; I would answer that it is not presumable that the old
Britons had any positiv revelation; and I do not know that the law of
nature will decide against their practice. The commands given to the
Jews were positiv injunctions; but they by no means extend to all
nations, farther than as they are founded on immutable principles of
right and wrong in all societies. Many of the Mosaic precepts are of
this kind; they are unlimited in their extent, because they stand on
principles which are unlimited in their operation.
Adultery is forbidden in the Jewish laws; and so it is in the codes of
other nations. But adultery may be defined differently by different
nations; and the criminality of it depends on the particular positiv
institutions, or accidental circumstances of a nation. The same
reasons that would render a similar custom in civilized modern
nations highly criminal, might render it innocent and even necessary
among the old Britons. A prohibition to gather sticks on the Sabbath,
under a penalty of death for disobedience, might be founded on
good reasons among the ancient Jews; but it would be hard to prove
that a modern law of the same kind, would be warrantable in any
nation.
 No. XXI.
NEW YORK, JUNE, 1788.

A LETTER from a LADY, with REMARKS.

s i r,

As you have, in your writings, discovered that you take a particular

interest in the happiness of ladies, I hope you will not deem it a
deviation from delicacy, if one of them offers you her grateful
acknowlegements, and requests you to giv your sentiments upon
what will be here related.
About four years ago, I was visited by a gentleman who professed
an unalterable attachment for me. He being a genteel, sensible and
handsome man, I thought myself justifiable in treating him with
complacency. After I was convinced by his constant attention and
frequent professions, that I was a favorite, he used frequently to
upbraid me, for being so silent and reserved: It shewed, he said, a
want of confidence in him; for I must be sensible he derived the
greatest pleasure imaginable in my conversation, and why would I
then deprive him of the greatest happiness by absenting myself,
when he paid a visit, refusing to chat with my usual freedom. Tho he
professed himself to be an admirer of candor, and a strict adherer to
the rules of honor, still I could not but doubt his sincerity from the
extravagance of his expressions. This he considered as an affront,
saying that no man of honor would express sentiments that were
not genuine. I found myself unwilling to say any thing that should be
disagreeable, and disposed to make him understand by an attention
that I supposed him entitled to, that he was prefered to any other
person. He continued his visits in this manner for about eighteen
months, conducting himself with the greatest delicacy, affection and
respect. During this time, he never expressed a wish to be united,
which made me uneasy, as I knew that all my friends thought us
engaged. At last I told him his attention was too particular; I knew
not what construction to put upon it. He replied that I was too
particular in my ideas; it was a convincing proof to him, with my
resenting trifling liberties, that I had not an affection for him, and
that he was not the man I wished to be connected with; therefore
he would not trouble me any longer with his company, and wished
me a good night.
This, Sir, you must suppose, distressed me greatly; I viewed myself
injured and trifled with, but knew not how to obtain redress. My
attachment and pride were so great that I would not allow my
friends to call him to an account for his behavior; tho I now despise
his conduct, and would refuse him the hand of which he has proved
himself unworthy, still I feel hurt at the treatment I have received.
You, Sir, as a friend to our sex, and one who wishes to preserve the
peace of mind of unsuspecting girls, will do them an essential
service, by your animadversions on these facts, and guarding our
sex from similar impositions.
These circumstances would not have been related, were I not
rendered discontented and wretched at home, in consequence of
refusing the offers of three other gentlemen; either of whom would
doubtless have been acceptable, had not my affections been
preengaged to one who has proved himself worthless. Their
characters and situations in life are equal to my wishes; but I cannot
do them so much injustice and myself so much injury, as to giv my
hand unaccompanied with my heart. In consulting my own
inclinations I have incurred the displeasure of all my family; they
treat me with great inattention, and are continually reflecting on my
want of spirit and resolution. I am confident, Sir, that every generous
mind will pity your unhappy and distressed friend,
CONSTANTIA.
To CONSTANTIA.
While I acknowlege myself honored by your correspondence, and
happy in an opportunity of rendering you or your sex the least
service, permit me, in compliance with your request, which shall be
to me a sacred law, to offer my sentiments with a frankness,
corresponding with that which marks the relation of your
misfortunes. For altho I feel the warmest indignation at every
species of deception, and particularly at that long continued
inexplicitness which is deliberate deception, and which is the cause
of your wretchedness, candor and truth require that censure should
fall where it is due.
If the slightest blame can fall on you, it is that you indulged the
visits of a gentleman for eighteen months without an explicit and
honorable declaration of his intention. A delicate, affectionate and
respectful attention to a lady, for one quarter of that period, is
sufficient to make an impression on her mind, and decide her
choice: At the same time, it might not render an attachment on her
part, so strong as to make a separation very painful; it might not giv
the world an opinion that an engagement exists, or subject the lady
to the necessity of dismissing other suitors. It is therefore prudent at
least for a lady to conduct herself in such a manner as to bring her
admirer to an explicit declaration of his designs. A man of real honor
and principle would not wait for a stratagem on the part of the lady,
or for a frank demand of an explanation of his conduct. A tolerable
acquaintance with the human heart would enable him to discover
when a declaration would be agreeable to the lady, and after this
discovery, he would not keep her a moment in suspense. A man of
generous feelings, who has a lively attachment, looks with anxiety
for some proof that his addresses are agreeable, and that a
declaration of his intentions will be well received. No sooner does he
find this proof, than he hastens to unbosom himself to the dear
object of his wishes, and communicate the happiness he so ardently
desires to receive. When therefore a man neglects such a
declaration, after he has had convincing proofs that his offers would
be well received, it may and should be taken for granted that his
intentions are not honorable, and the lady should treat him
accordingly. If therefore, my unhappy friend, you deserve the least
degree of censure, it is because you delayed too long to take
measures for undeceiving yourself. Yet this delay is a proof of your
unsuspecting confidence and sincere attachment; and faults,
proceeding from such amiable causes, are almost changed to
virtues; in your sex, they entitle the sufferer to forgivness and to
love.
You inform me, Constantia, that the man who has injured you,
professed to adhere to the rules of honor. Never, Constantia, trust a
man who deals largely in that hackneyed virtue, honor. Honor, in the
fashionable sense of the word, is but another name for villany. The
man of honor would not be guilty of the least impropriety in public
company; he would not for the world neglect the least punctilio of
the customary etiquette, but he would, without hesitation or
remorse, blow out the brains of a friend, for treading on his toe, or
rob an amiable woman of her reputation and happiness to gratify his
vanity.
If a man talks too much of his honor, he is to be avoided, like the
midnight ruffian. He that really possesses a virtue never boasts of it,
for he does not suspect the world think him destitute of it.
Numerous professions are commonly mere substitutes for what is
professed.
The man, who has given you so much uneasiness, never deserved
the confidence he won; he must be destitute of principle, of virtue,
and of attachment to you. His deliberate ill usage proves him to be
callous to every tender emotion, and to deserve your contempt. Will
not a generous pride and detestation expel the least sentiment of
respect for him from your breast? Can you not forget that you have
been misled, and will not your innocence buoy you above
misfortunes? That you have refused good offers, is to be regretted;
but your friends, if they know the reason, as they ought, will not
pain you by disingenuous reflections. On the other hand, they will
assist you in finding objects to amuse you and dissipate your own
melancholy reflections. Smile away the anxiety that shuts your heart
against other impressions. Base as men are, there may be some
found who despise the character of him who has given even an
hour's pain; there may be one who knows your worth, and may be
disposed to reward your constancy.
It is a mortifying reflection to an honest mind, that bad hearts are so
often suffered to giv pain to the good; that the trifling and the base
of our sex are not constrained, by necessity, to associate only with
the trifling and the base of yours, and that the good, the generous
and the constant should be exposed to the abuses of the fickle and
designing. But such is the constitution of society, and for the evils of
it, we have no remedy, but cautious circumspection to prevent, or
patient fortitude to support the adverse events of our conditions.
No man can entertain a more cordial detestation of the smallest
disposition to annoy the peace of mind and disturb the tranquillity of
mankind, than myself; the design of existence here is to sooth the
evils, and multiply the felicities of each other, and he must be a
villain indeed, who can deliberately attempt to poison the sources of
pleasure, by crossing and disappointing the social passions.
To your sex, Constantia, permit me to giv a word of caution; never
to make any inquiries about a man's family, fortune or
accomplishments, till you know whether he is a man of principle. By
principle, I mean, a disposition of heart to conduct with strict
propriety, both as a moral being and as a member of civil society;
that is, a disposition to increase the happiness of all around him. If
he appears to wish for his own gratification, at the expense even of
a servant's happiness, he is an unsocial being, he is not a fit
associate for men, much less for amiable women. If he is a man of
principle, then proceed to inquire into his standing in life. With
principle he may make a woman happy in almost any circumstances;
without it, birth, fortune and education serve but to render his
worthlessness the more conspicuous. With sentiments of esteem, I
am your obliged friend, and humble servant,
E.
 No. XXII.
NEW YORK, JULY, 1788.

A LETTER to the AUTHOR, with REMARKS.

s i r,

I beg leave to relate to you a few circumstances respecting the

conduct of a young friend of mine in this city, and to request your
own remarks and advice on the occasion. Should any other person
similarly situated, be disposed to receive benefit from the advice, I
shall be much gratified, and my design more than answered.
This young friend to whom I allude, has been till within a few years,
under the watchful eyes of very attentiv parents; from whom he
received much better advice and much more of it, than the
generality of parents in this city are wont to bestow on their
children; they taught him to regard truth with a steady attachment;
in short his education, till their deaths, was such as might with
propriety have been called rigidly virtuous. Since that instructiv
period, he has been under the guidance of no one but himself; his
former associates with whom he grew up, and for whom he still feels
a degree of schoolmate attachment, are almost universally
debauched characters. The force of example is great, and let it be
mentioned to his honor, that in general he has had sufficient virtue
to resist their importunities, and to follow a line of conduct directly
contrary to the one they would gladly have marked out for his
pursuance. He possesses many of the social virtues, and is warmly
attached to the amiable part of the female world. This attachment
has preserved him from the fashionable vices of the age, and given
him a relish for domestic happiness, which I think he will never lose.
A young gentleman so capable of making himself agreeable to good
and virtuous characters, ought not, in my opinion, to indulge himself
in any practices, that shall tend in the least to depreciate his general
merit. The practices I would mention, are few and not very
considerable; still I think he should dismiss them entirely, or at least
not indulge them to his disadvantage. He sings a good song, and he
knows it tolerably well; he is often urged into company on that
account; he can make himself agreeable withal, and is really a
musical companion; he pays so much attention to learning and
singing songs, that he has but little leisure time on his hands; he
reads part of the day, but he reads principally novels or song books.
I would not be understood to consider singing songs as criminal; far
from it; I am often delighted with a song from him; but the query
with me is, whether he ought not to devote part of the time which
he now employs about what may be called genteel trifling, to the
improvement of his mind in a manner that may be of lasting benefit
to him; I wish you to giv him your advice, and direct him what books
to read. He has another fault, which, altho it originates in the
benevolence of his disposition, may still be called a fault. He has a
very susceptible heart, and opens it with a generous freedom, so
much so that he sometimes forgets himself, and opens it where he
ought not to do. A stranger with a specious outside might easily
impose on him. I just throw out these hints, that he may be on his
guard against those whose business it is to deceive. There are
several smaller faults dependant upon, or rather consequent to,
those I have mentioned, which I at first intended to have
enumerated, but if the first are amended, the others will forsake him
of course.
The ANSWER.
s i r,

By the description you have given of your young friend, it appears

that he is rather trifling and inconsiderate than profligate. His faults
are, his spending too much time in learning and singing songs; and
too much frankness of heart, which exposes him to impositions. But
you have not, Sir, informed me whether he was bred to business;
and by his character, I judge that he was not. He has had good
precepts indeed; but of how little weight are precepts to young
people! Advice to the young sometimes does good; but perhaps
never, except good habits have been previously formed by correct
discipline in manners, or by a mechanical attention to honest
employments. The truth is, advice or serious council is commonly
lavished where it does no good, upon the young, the gay, the
thoughtless; whose passions are strong, before reason begins to
have the smallest influence. I am young myself, but from the
observations I have hitherto made, I venture to affirm, that grave
advice never yet conquered a passion, and rarely has restrained one
so as to render a sprightly youth, in any degree serious. How should
it? Instructions are transient; they seldom touch the heart, and they
generally oppose passions that are vigorous, and which are
incessantly urging for indulgence.
I have ever thought that advice to the young, unaccompanied by the
routine of honest employments, is like an attempt to make a shrub
grow in a certain direction, by blowing it with a bellows. The way to
regulate the growth of a vegetable is to confine it to the proposed
direction. The only effectual method perhaps is to keep young
persons from childhood busy in some employment of use and
reputation. It is very immaterial what that employment is; the mind
will grow in the direction given it at first; it will bend and attach itself
to the business, and will not easily lose that bent or attachment
afterwards: The mind will attach itself to something; its natural
disposition is to pleasure and amusement. This disposition may be
changed or overcome by keeping the mind, from early life, busy in
some useful occupation, and perhaps by nothing else. Advice will not
produce the effect.
I suspect, Sir, that your young friend has been bred a trifler; that he
has had money to support him without the labor of acquiring it; that
he has never been anxious about his future subsistence. If so, his
education must be pronounced erroneous. Whether worth twenty
pounds or twenty thousand, it should make no difference in his
attention to business while young. We are the creatures of habit; a
habit of acquiring property should always precede the use of it,
otherwise it will not be used with credit and advantage. Besides,
business is almost the only security we have for moral rectitude and
for consequence in society. It keeps a young person out of vicious
company; it operates as a constant check upon the passions, and
while it does not destroy them, it restrains their intemperance; it
strengthens the mind by exercise, and puts a young person upon
exerting his reasoning faculties. In short, a man bred to business
loves society, and feels the importance of the principles that support
it. On the other hand, mankind respect him; and whatever your
young friend may think of the assertion, it is true that the ladies
uniformly despise a man who is always dangling at their apron
strings, and whose principal excellence consists in singing a good
song.
If, Sir, your friend is still so young, as to undergo the discipline of a
professional or other employment, his habits of trifling may be
changed by this means; but if he is so far the gentleman as to
disdain business, his friends have only to whistle advice in his ears,
and wait till old age, experience, and the death of his passions, shall
change the man.
Accept of my thanks, Sir, for this communication, and be assured
that my opinion on any subject of this kind will always be at your
service.
E.
 No. XXIII.
BOSTON, MARCH, 1789.

An Enquiry into the Origin of the Words DOMESDAY,

PARISH, PARLIAMENT, PEER, BARON; with Remarks,
New and Interesting.
In the course of my etymological investigations, I hav been led to
suspect that all the writers on the laws and constitution of England,
hav mistaken the origin and primitiv signification of several words of
high antiquity, and in consequence of the mistake, hav adopted
some erroneous opinions, respecting the history of parliaments and
trial by peers. Whether my own opinions are wel supported by
history and etymology, must be hereafter decided by able and
impartial judges of this subject.
Dome book, or domesday book, iz a word wel understood by English
lawyers. Dome book, or dom bec, az it waz formerly spelt, waz the
name given to the Saxon code of laws compiled by Alfred. Some
other codes of local customs or laws were also denominated dom
becs, but theze are all lost. After the conquest, a general survey of
all the lands in England, except a few counties, waz made by order
of William, and recorded in a volum which iz stil extant, and called
domesday. This survey waz begun by five justices assigned for the
purpose in each county, in the year 1081 and completed 1086.
Our pious ancestors were not a little frightened at the name of this
book, which iz usually pronounced doomsday; supposing it to hav
some reference to the final doom, or day of judgement. In order to
quiet such apprehensions, lawyers of less credulity undertook to
refute the common opinion. Jacob, after Cowel, very gravely asserts,
that the termination day in this word does not allude to the general
judgement. "The addition of day to this dome book, waz not ment
with any allusion to the final day of judgement, az most persons hav
conceeved, but waz to strengthen and confirm it, and signifieth the
judicial decisiv record, or book of dooming judgement and justice."
[67] The same author defines domesmen to be judges, or men
appointed to doom.
Cowel, a compiler of considerable authority, says, "day or dey," (for
dey iz the true spelling) "does not augment the sense, but only
doubles and confirms the same meening. It does not, in this
composition, really signify the mesure of time, but the administration
of justice; so that domesday iz more emphatically the judicial decisiv
record, the book of dooming judgement."[68] According to this
author, then, domesday iz a judgement of judgements, for he quotes
Dr. Hammond to proov that day, dies, ημερα, in all idioms, signifies
judgement. However tru this may be, I beleev our Saxon forefathers
could find a better name for a code of laws, than a judgement of
judgements.
"Domesday," says Coke, "dies judicii," day of judgement.[69] Such is
the influence of sounds upon credulous, superstitious minds.
The truth seems to be this; domesday is a compound of dom,
judgement, decree or authority; and dey, a law or rule.[70] Or
domes, in the plural, may signify judges. The name of the book then
will signify, ether the rules of judging, or deciding, in questions
relating to the real property of England; or what is more probable,
the rules and determinations of the judges who surveyed the lands
in the kingdom.
That dom had the signification here explained iz capable of proof.
The homager's oath, in the black book of Hereford, fol. 46, ends
thus, "So helpe me God at his holy dome (judgement) and by my
trowthe," (troth, that is truth.)[71] This explanation coincides with
the meening of the same syllable in other languages, and confirms
the hypothesis of the common origin of the languages of Europe,
laid down in the Notes to my Dissertations on the English Tung. We
see the syllable in the Greek δαμαω, the Latin dominus, (domo) and
in the English word tame; az also in doom, deem, king dom.[72] In
all theze words we observe one primitiv and several derivativ
significations. Its primitiv sense is that of power or authority, az in
Greek and Latin. In English, it stands for jurisdiction, a judge, or a
sentence. In deem, it denotes the act of the mind in judging, or
forming its determinations.
The other syllable dey iz probably the same word az ley, law, with a
different prepositiv article; for etymologists tel us, that the radical
syllable waz often found in the muther tung ey. Cowel informs us it
waz not day, but dey; and another author writes it d'ey. The word
daysman, or az it ought to be spelt deysman, stil used both in
England and America, is composed of dey and man, and signifies an
arbitrator or judge, appointed to reconcile differences. In this
country I hav often heerd it applied to our Savior, az mediator
between God and man.
The ancient lawyers translate the Saxon dom bec and domesdey by
liber judicialis; words which seem not to convey the ful meening of
the original. I should translate them, liber judicum, the Judges book;
or lex judicum, the Judges law or rule.
The old Saxon word ley, before mentioned, waz, in different dialects,
or at different periods, written ley, lah, lage, laga. It iz doubtless
from the same root az the Latin lex, lege; and it is remarkable, that
the same word anciently signified peeple; and from this are derived
lay and laity, the peeple as opposed to the clergy.[73] It iz probable
that the primitiv sense of the word, in remote antiquity, waz people;
and az the peeple made the laws in general assembly, so their
orders or decrees came to be called by the same name. This
conjecture iz not groundless, and is no trifling proof of the ancient
freedom of our Gothic ancestors. Tacitus says expressly of the
Germans, "De minoribus rebus principes consultant; de majoribus
omnes." De Mor Germ. 11. The princes deliberate upon small
matters, or perhaps decide private controverses of small moment;
but laws of general concern are enacted in an assembly of all the
peeple.