ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces 'sortal' a symbol which furnishes with a principle for distinguishing and counting particulars and which does so in its own right relying on no antecedent principle or method of so distinguishing and counting. By contrast, a sortal expression, common nouns such as 'cat' or 'apple', in no wise have to be precursed in order to furnish a principle of distinction and counting for particulars. The chapter shows that sortals may not be regarded as singular names, and proper names. The thesis that sortals are general names standing for a number of objects, that sortal expressions signify in that they stand for a number of objects, has itself to invoke the notion of a 'number of objects'. The indefinite form of a sortal may not itself be regarded as a predicate or predicable since it itself is required in order to introduce individuals which themselves may form the subjects of predication.
