_Lene and aspirate._--From the sound of p in _pat_, the sound of f in _fat_ differs in a certain degree. This difference is not owing to a difference in their sharpness or flatness. Each is sharp. Neither is it owing to a difference in their continuity or explosiveness; although f is continuous, whilst p is explosive. This we may ascertain by considering the position of s. The sound of s is _continuous_; yet s, in respect to the difference under consideration, is classed not with f the continuous sound but with p the explosive one. This difference, which has yet to be properly elucidated, is expressed by a particular term; and p is called _lene_, f is called _aspirate_. As f is to p so is v to b. As v is to b so is þ to t. As þ is to t so is ð to d. As ð is to d so is κ to k. As κ is to k so is γ to g. As γ is to g so is σ to s. As σ is to s so is ζ to z. Hence p, b, t, d, k, g, s, z, are _lene_; f, v, þ, ð, κ, γ, σ, ζ, are _aspirate_. Also p, f, t, þ, k, κ, s, σ, are _sharp_, whilst b, v, d, ð, g, γ, z, ζ, are _flat_; so that there is a double series of relationship capable of being expressed as follows:-- _Lene._ _Aspirate._ | _Sharp._ _Flat._ Sharp. Flat. Sharp. Flat. | Lene. Aspirate. Lene. Aspirate. p b f v | p f b v t d þ ð | t þ d ð k g κ γ | k κ g γ s z σ ζ | s σ z ζ All the so-called aspirates are continuous; and, with the exception of s and z, all the lenes are explosive. § 116. I believe that in the fact of each mute appearing in a four-fold form (i.e., sharp, or flat, lene, or aspirate), lies the essential character of the mutes as opposed to the liquids. § 117. Y and w.--These sounds, respectively intermediate to γ and i (the ee in _feet_), and to v and u (oo in _book_), form a transition from the vowels to the consonants. § 118. The French word _roi_, and the English words _oil_, _house_, are specimens of a fresh class of articulations; viz., of _compound vowel_ sounds or diphthongs. The diphthong oi is the vowel o + the semivowel y. The diphthongal sound in _roi_ is the vowel o + the semivowel w. In _roi_ the semivowel element precedes, in _oil_ it follows. § 119. The words quoted indicate the nature of the diphthongal system. 1. Diphthongs with the semivowel w, a) _preceding_, as in the French word _roi_, b) _following_, as in the English word _new_. 2. Diphthongs with the semivowel y, a) _preceding_, as is common in the languages of the Lithuanic and Slavonic stocks, b) _following_, as in the word _oil_. 3. Triphthongs with a semivowel both _preceding_ and _following_. The diphthongs in English are four; ow as in _house_, ew as in _new_, oi as in _oil_, i as in _bite_, _fight_.