In this second sequence the _relative_ positions of _v_, _kh_, and _t`_ are the same in respect to each other, and the same in respect to the vowel series. The sequence itself is broken by the letter _zayn_, but it is remarkable that the principle of the sequence is the same. Series P follows the vowel, and series T is farthest from it. After this the system becomes but fragmentary. Still, even now, _pe_, of series P, follows _ayn_; _tau_, of {212} series D, is farthest from it; and _koph_, of series K, is intermediate. I am satisfied that we have in the Hebrew alphabet, and in all alphabets derived from it (consequently in the English), if not a system, the rudiments of a system, and that the system is of the sort indicated above; in other words, that the order of the alphabet is a _circulating order_. In Mr. Donaldson's hands this view is not only a fact, but an instrument of criticism:--"The fact is, in our opinion, the original Semitic alphabet contained only sixteen letters. This appears from the organic arrangement of their characters. The remaining sixteen letters appear in the following order:--_aleph_, _beth_, _gimel_, _daleth_, _he_, _vaw_, _kheth_, _teth_, _lamed_, _mem_, _nun_, _samech_, _ayn_, _pe_, _koph_, _tau_. If we examine this order more minutely, we shall see that it is not arbitrary or accidental, but strictly organic, according to the Semitic articulation. We have four classes, each consisting of four letters: the first and second classes consist each of three mutes, preceded by a breathing; the third of the three liquids and the sibilant, which, perhaps, closed the oldest alphabet of all; and the fourth contains the three supernumerary mutes, preceded by a breathing. We place the characters first vertically:-- Aleph [Alef] First breathing Beth [Bet] B } Gimel [Gimel] G } _Media._ Daleth [Dalet] D } He [He] Second breathing. Vaw [Vav] Bh } Kheth [Khet] Gh } _Aspirate._ Teth [Tet] Dh } Lamed [Lamed] L } Mem [Mem] M } _Liquids._ Nun [Nun] N } Samech [Samekh] S _The Sibilant_. Ayn [Ayin] Third breathing. Pe [Pe] P } Koph [Kuf] K } _Tenues._ Tau [Tav] T } In the horizontal arrangement we shall, for the sake of greater simplicity, omit the liquids and the sibilant, and then we have {213} _Breathings._ _Labials._ _Palatals._ _Linguals._ [Alef] [Bet] [Gimel] [Dalet] [He] [Vav] [Khet] [Tet] [Ayin] [Pe] [Kuf] [Tav] In this we see, that, while the horizontal lines give us the arrangement of the mutes according to the breathings, the vertical columns exhibit them arranged according to the organ by which they are produced. Such a classification is obviously artificial."