Dissertations on the English Language, with Notes, Historical and Critical;to Which Is Added, by Way of Appendix, an Essay on a Reformed Mode of Spelling, with Dr. Franklin's Arguments on That Subject

A scholarly treatise written in the late 18th century. This work serves as a critical examination of the English language, focusing on its structure, pronunciation, and the necessity of establishing a unique American variant separate from British English. The text is likely aimed at addressing misconceptions in language use and promoting a more standardized approach to English grammar and spelling. At the start of the treatise, Webster outlines his motivations for writing about the English language, detailing his journey from an academic background to his practical observations in the real world. He expresses concern over the stiffness and errors he and his contemporaries experienced when trying to communicate effectively after formal education. Webster critiques existing grammatical principles and references his own research, hinting at a comprehensive analysis of language development and its orthography. The introduction sets the stage for the exploration of how language evolves and the influence of societal changes, while also presenting an argument for the importance of cultivating a distinct American English.