RHETORIC. CHAPTER I. GENERAL EXPRESSION OF THOUGHT AND FEELING. 1. Definitions.-RHETORIC is the science and art of expressing thought and feeling by language in the best possible manner. Aristotle defined Rhetoric to be "the faculty of perceiving all the possible means of persuasion on every subject." The object of a speaker or writer is sometimes, however, not to persuade, but to instruct or to amuse. Quintilian describes Rhetoric as the "science of speaking well;" a concise and beautiful definition, if it be understood also to include writing. Speech is primarily uttered, but much is now writ ten to be printed and read, perhaps silently, and Rhetoric embraces the rules by which language, whether uttered or written, may be the most effective. It is immaterial, generally, whether, in the discussion of these rules, the primary attention be directed to speaking or writing. When the nature of the subject allows, both are included, though but one is mentioned. 2. Natural Language.-Thought and emotion may be communicated by one person to another by signs, such as motions of the hands; by inarticulate sounds, such as groans, shouts, sighs, and by touch. Many animals thus communicate with each other. This is called Natural Language. Some of the methods of natural language are highly cultivated by men, and the use of some kinds of communication without language is often employed to add efficiency to uttered speech. The practice of impressing other minds by motions of the limbs, the eyes, and the countenance, has been so perfected as to become a good substitute for language in the transaction of important business. Navigators are guided into proper channels, and warned against unseen rocks and other dangers, by lights of different colors and shape. The movement and size and intention of armies are communicated by the waving of flags of different form or color, as previously agreed upon. Trumpets, steam-whistles, and whatever makes a noise, may be used to convey thought. Telegraphy may exist without the use of words. 3. Thought independent of Language. — From the above, it is evident that thought and emotion can exist without language. Those who have asserted that man can not think without the use of language either have not comprehended the subject, or they have given to the term language a meaning more than proply belongs to it, and made it embrace all signs of |