Page:Ralcy H. Bell - The Mystery of Words (1924).pdf/224

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Selective Tendencies, etc.

provised forms of really serviceable words which have been and may be used, its utility would in no sense be increased. On the contrary, it would be much better to add a few formulæ for the permutation of words than to encumber the dictionary with numberless self-evident derivatives and compounds. A dictionary setting forth the laws of transformation and growth of words with their crystallized distinctions in meaning, their so-called trend, and their development, would be more serviceable as a dictionary than the usual mountainous assemblage of examples.

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