ABSTRACT
We next went to the school of language, where three Professors sat in consultation upon improving that of their own country.... [One initiative spoken of] was a scheme for entirely abolishing all words whatsoever;... An expedient was therefore offered, that since words are only names for things, it would be more convenient for all men to carry about them such things as were necessary to express the particular business they are to discourse on... I have often beheld two [of the learned men who adhere to the scheme]... almost sinking under the weight of their packs, like peddlers among us; who when they met in the streets would lay down their loads, open their sacks and hold conversation for an hour together; then put up their implements, help each other to resume their burthens, and take their leave.
