Objects by Geſtures, and thoſe which ſtrike the Ear, by imitative Sounds: but as Geſtures ſcarcely indicate any thing except Objects that are actually preſent or can be eaſily deſcribed, and viſible Actions; as they are not of general Uſe, ſince Darkneſs or the Interpoſition of an opake Medium renders them uſeleſs; and as beſides they require Attention rather than excite it: Men at length bethought themſelves of ſubſtituting to them the Articulations of Voice, which, without having the ſame Relation to any determinate Object, are, in quality of inſtituted Signs, fitter to repreſent all our Ideas; a Subſtitution, which could only have been made by common Conſent, and in a Manner pretty difficult to practiſe by Men, whoſe rude Organs were unimproved by Exerciſe; a Subſtitution, which is in itſelf ſtill more difficult to be conceived, ſince the Motives to this unanimous Agreement muſt have been ſome how or another expreſſed,
