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Excerpt

Excerpt from Webster's Unabridged Dictionary (1st 100 Pages), by Noah Webster

									p. 14

AcÏcu¶muÏlate (#), v. i. To grow or increase in quantity or number; to increase greatly.
Ill fares the land, to hastening ills a prey,
Where wealth accumulates, and men decay.
Goldsmith.
AcÏcu¶muÏlate (#), a. [L. accumulatus, p. p. of accumulare.] Collected; accumulated.
Bacon.
AcÏcu·muÏla¶tion (#), n. [L. accumulatio; cf. F. accumulation.] 1. The act of accumulating, the state of being accumulated, or that which is accumulated; as, an accumulation of earth, of sand, of evils, of wealth, of honors.
2. (Law) The concurrence of several titles to the same proof.
Accumulation of energy or power, the storing of energy by means of weights lifted or masses put in motion; electricity stored. Ð An accumulation of degrees (Eng. Univ.), the taking of several together, or at smaller intervals than usual or than is allowed by the rules.
AcÏcu¶muÏlaÏtive (#), a. Characterized by accumulation; serving to collect or amass; cumulative; additional. Ð AcÏcu¶muÏlaÏtiveÏly, adv. Ð AcÏcu¶muÏlaÏtiveÏness, n.
AcÏcu¶muÏla·tor (#), n. [L.] 1. One who, or that which, accumulates, collects, or amasses.
2. (Mech.) An apparatus by means of which energy or power can be stored, such as the cylinder or tank for storing water for hydraulic elevators, the secondary or storage battery used for accumulating the energy of electrical charges, etc.
3. A system of elastic springs for relieving the strain upon a rope, as in deepÐsea dredging.
Ac¶cuÏraÏcy (#; 277), n. [See Accurate.] The state of being accurate; freedom from mistakes, this exemption arising from carefulness; exact conformity to truth, or to a rule or model; precision; exactness; nicety; correctness; as, the value of testimony depends on its accuracy.
The professed end [of logic] is to teach men to think, to judge, and to reason, with precision and accuracy.
Reid.
The accuracy with which the piston fits the sides.
Lardner.
Ac¶cuÏrate (#), a. [L. accuratus, p. p. and a., fr. accurare to take care of; ad + curare to take care, cura care. See Cure.] 1. In exact or careful conformity to truth, or to some standard of requirement, the result of care or pains; free from failure, error, or defect; exact; as, an accurate calculator; an accurate measure; accurate expression, knowledge, etc.
2. Precisely fixed; executed with care; careful. [Obs.]
Those conceive the celestial bodies have more accurate influences upon these things below.
Bacon.
Syn. Ð Correct; exact; just; nice; particular. Ð Accurate, Correct, Exact, Precise. We speak of a thing as correct with reference to some rule or standard of comparison; as, a correct account, a correct likeness, a man of correct deportment. We speak of a thing as accurate with reference to the care bestowed upon its execution, and the increased correctness to be expected therefrom; as, an accurate statement, an accurate detail of particulars. We speak of a thing as exact with reference to that perfected state of a thing in which there is no defect and no redundance; as, an exact coincidence, the exact truth, an exact likeness. We speak of a thing as precise when we think of it as strictly conformed to some rule or model, as if cut down thereto; as a precise conformity instructions; precisely right; he was very precise in giving his directions.
Ac¶cuÏrateÏly, adv. In an accurate manner; exactly; precisely; without error or defect.
Ac¶cuÏrateÏness, n. The state or quality of being accurate ; accuracy; exactness; nicety; precision.

AcÏcurse¶ (#), v. t. [OE. acursien, acorsien; pref. a + cursien to curse. See Curse.] To devote to destruction; to imprecate misery or evil upon; to curse; to execrate; to anathematize.
And the city shall be accursed.
Josh. vi. 17.
Thro' you, my life will be accurst.
Tennyson.

Explanation

Detailed Explanation of the Excerpt from Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary (1st 100 Pages)

This excerpt is taken from Noah Webster’s An American Dictionary of the English Language (1828), the first comprehensive American dictionary, which sought to standardize American English spelling, pronunciation, and usage. Webster’s work was not just a lexicographical endeavor but also a nation-building project, reflecting the intellectual and cultural independence of the young United States. The dictionary was deeply influenced by Enlightenment ideals of reason, precision, and moral instruction, blending definitions with etymology, literary quotations, and philosophical distinctions.

The given passage covers entries for words derived from the Latin root accumulare (to heap up) and accurare (to take care of), exploring themes of growth, precision, moral decay, and mechanical efficiency. Below is a breakdown of the text, its themes, literary devices, and significance, with a focus on the dictionary’s unique stylistic and ideological features.

1. Structural and Stylistic Analysis of the Dictionary Entry

Webster’s dictionary is not merely a reference tool but a literary and philosophical text in its own right. Its structure reflects:

Etymological Rigor: Each entry traces the word’s origin (e.g., Latin accumulare, Old English acursien), reinforcing Webster’s belief in linguistic purity and historical continuity.
Multi-Disciplinary Definitions: Words are defined not just linguistically but also in scientific, legal, mechanical, and moral contexts, reflecting the Enlightenment’s interdisciplinary approach.
Literary Illustrations: Webster frequently quotes poets, philosophers, and scientists (e.g., Goldsmith, Bacon, Tennyson) to demonstrate usage, blending lexicography with literary anthology.
Moral and Philosophical Undertones: Many definitions carry implicit judgments about human behavior, economics, and technology.

2. Thematic Breakdown of the Excerpt

A. Accumulation: Growth, Wealth, and Moral Decay

The entries for "accumulate" and its derivatives explore material and abstract forms of gathering, but with a cautionary tone:

Economic & Social Critique:
- The definition of accumulate (v.i.) includes a quotation from Oliver Goldsmith’s The Deserted Village (1770):
  "Ill fares the land, to hastening ills a prey, / Where wealth accumulates, and men decay."
  - This Romantic-era critique of industrial capitalism suggests that unchecked economic growth leads to moral and social decline.
  - Webster, a Federalist with moralistic leanings, may have included this to warn against greed and inequality, aligning with his Puritan-inflected view of society.
Mechanical & Scientific Accumulation:
- The term accumulator (n.) is defined in mechanical and electrical terms (e.g., hydraulic systems, batteries), reflecting the Industrial Revolution’s fascination with stored energy.
- This contrasts with the moral decay implied in Goldsmith’s line, suggesting a duality in accumulation: it can be productive (technology) or destructive (hoarding wealth).
Legal Accumulation:
- The second definition of accumulation (n.) refers to "the concurrence of several titles to the same proof", a legal term suggesting layered claims or evidence.
- This reinforces the idea that accumulation is not just physical but also intellectual and systemic.

B. Accuracy: Precision, Truth, and Human Fallibility

The entries for "accuracy" and "accurate" emphasize intellectual rigor, moral correctness, and mechanical exactness:

Epistemological Precision:
- Accuracy is defined as "exact conformity to truth", linking it to logic, measurement, and testimony.
- The quotation from Thomas Reid (Scottish philosopher of "Common Sense" realism) positions accuracy as the goal of rational thought:
  "The professed end [of logic] is to teach men to think, to judge, and to reason, with precision and accuracy."
  - This reflects Enlightenment faith in reason as a tool for moral and scientific progress.
Mechanical vs. Moral Accuracy:
- The example from Dionysius Lardner (a scientist)—"The accuracy with which the piston fits the sides"—shows technical precision.
- Contrast this with Bacon’s obsolete usage ("celestial bodies have more accurate influences"), which blends astrology with early modern science, highlighting how definitions evolve with knowledge.
Synonym Distinctions (Accuracy vs. Correctness vs. Exactness):
- Webster provides a nuanced breakdown of related terms:
  - Correct = conformity to a rule.
  - Accurate = result of careful effort.
  - Exact = perfection without defect.
  - Precise = strict adherence to a model.
- This taxonomy of precision reflects 19th-century intellectual concerns with classification and order, akin to Linnaean biology or Bentham’s utilitarianism.

C. Accursed: Moral Condemnation and Divine Wrath

The entry for "accurse" introduces a theological and moral dimension:

Biblical and Literary Curses:
- The first example is from Joshua 6:17 ("And the city shall be accursed"), referencing Jericho’s destruction—a divine judgment.
- The second, from Tennyson’s Maud (1855), is more personal:
  "Thro’ you, my life will be accurst."
  - This Romantic-era despair contrasts with the Biblical absolute, showing how curses can be both cosmic and intimate.
Moral Weight of Language:
- The definition ("to devote to destruction; to imprecate misery") carries strong moral condemnation, reinforcing Webster’s Puritan-influenced worldview where words have spiritual power.

3. Literary Devices in the Dictionary Excerpt

While a dictionary may seem unliterary, Webster employs several rhetorical and stylistic techniques:

Device	Example	Effect
Juxtaposition	Wealth accumulating vs. men decaying (Goldsmith)	Highlights moral paradox of progress.
Allusion	Biblical (Joshua), Literary (Tennyson, Goldsmith)	Connects daily language to cultural memory.
Taxonomy	Distinguishing accurate, correct, exact, precise	Creates intellectual order in a chaotic world.
Archaic Usage	Bacon’s "accurate influences" (obsolete)	Shows language’s evolution and Webster’s historical awareness.
Metaphor	"An apparatus... for storing energy" (accumulator)	Extends mechanical concepts to abstract ideas.

4. Significance of the Excerpt

A. Lexicography as Nation-Building

Webster’s dictionary was not neutral—it was a tool for shaping American identity:

Standardizing Spelling: E.g., "accumulate" (not "accumulate" as in British English).
Moral Instruction: Many definitions subtly guide behavior (e.g., warning against greed in accumulate).
Scientific & Industrial Progress: Terms like accumulator reflect America’s technological ambitions.

B. The Dictionary as a Cultural Artifact

Enlightenment vs. Romantic Tensions:
- The rational, classificatory style (e.g., synonym distinctions) is Enlightenment.
- The moral warnings (Goldsmith) and emotional curses (Tennyson) are Romantic.
Religion & Science Coexisting:
- Accurse (Biblical) vs. accumulator (mechanical) shows faith and reason in dialogue.

C. Webster’s Philosophical Legacy

Language as a Moral Force: Webster believed precise language led to precise thinking, which led to moral society.
Democratization of Knowledge: By making definitions accessible yet rigorous, he empowered ordinary citizens to engage in intellectual discourse.

5. Conclusion: What This Excerpt Reveals

This passage is far more than a dry reference—it is a microcosm of 19th-century American thought, where:

Words carry weight (both literal and moral).
Progress is double-edged (accumulation can build or destroy).
Precision is a virtue (in science, logic, and ethics).
History and modernity coexist (Biblical curses alongside steam engines).

Webster’s dictionary was not just describing language—it was shaping a nation’s mind. In these definitions, we see the tensions of a young republic: between individualism and order, faith and reason, growth and decay.

Would you like a deeper dive into any particular aspect (e.g., Webster’s political views, the Romantic influences, or the mechanical metaphors)?

Questions

Question 1

The excerpt’s juxtaposition of Goldsmith’s couplet with the mechanical definition of accumulator most strongly suggests which of the following about Webster’s lexicographical project?

A. A deliberate attempt to undermine industrial progress by invoking poetic lament.
B. An implicit argument that technological advancement is inherently incompatible with moral integrity.
C. A neutral presentation of contradictory perspectives, leaving the reader to reconcile them.
D. A celebration of mechanical innovation as the antidote to the social decay described by Goldsmith.
E. An acknowledgment that accumulation—whether of wealth, energy, or knowledge—carries both creative and destructive potential, reflecting broader cultural anxieties of the era.

Question 2

The distinction Webster draws between accurate, correct, exact, and precise serves primarily to:

A. demonstrate the superiority of American English over British usage through finer semantic gradations.
B. illustrate how synonyms are often interchangeable in everyday discourse despite dictionary definitions.
C. impose an Enlightenment-inspired taxonomic order on language, mirroring the era’s faith in classification as a tool for intellectual and moral clarity.
D. highlight the obsolescence of certain usages (e.g., Bacon’s "accurate influences") to emphasize linguistic evolution.
E. undermine the reader’s confidence in precise communication by exposing the instability of seemingly fixed terms.

Question 3

The inclusion of Tennyson’s line "Thro’ you, my life will be accurst" alongside the Biblical example from Joshua most likely functions to:

A. demonstrate the universality of curses across religious and secular literature.
B. contrast the impersonal, divine judgment of Scripture with the intimate, human despair of Romantic poetry.
C. suggest that modern literature has lost the moral gravity of Biblical condemnation.
D. imply that Tennyson’s usage of accursed is linguistically inferior to the King James Version’s.
E. argue that poetic curses, unlike Biblical ones, lack genuine power to effect destruction.

Question 4

Webster’s decision to label Bacon’s usage of "accurate influences" as obsolete ([Obs.]) can be interpreted as reflecting which of the following assumptions about language?

A. That scientific progress renders earlier metaphysical language irrelevant.
B. That dictionaries should excise all archaic terms to avoid confusing modern readers.
C. That the precision of Enlightenment thought has superseded the vague speculations of Renaissance science.
D. That Bacon’s reputation as a philosopher justifies preserving even his outdated usages.
E. That language evolves in response to shifts in cultural and intellectual paradigms, with older meanings persisting as historical artifacts rather than living usage.

Question 5

The structural placement of accurse immediately after the entries for accuracy and its derivatives creates a thematic tension that is best described as:

A. a juxtaposition of human striving for precision against the existential reality of condemnation and ruin.
B. an editorial error, given the lack of etymological or semantic connection between the terms.
C. a subtle critique of religious dogma, positioning scientific accuracy as the antidote to superstitious curses.
D. an attempt to balance the dictionary’s moral tone by following rigorous definitions with examples of emotional extremity.
E. a reinforcement of the idea that linguistic accuracy is meaningless in the face of divine or poetic wrath.

Solutions and Explanations

1) Correct answer: E

Why E is most correct: The passage does not present a one-sided view of accumulation but rather acknowledges its duality: Goldsmith’s couplet warns of moral decay from wealth accumulation, while the accumulator entry describes productive storage of energy. Webster’s inclusion of both reflects the cultural ambivalence of the Industrial Era, where progress was both celebrated and feared. This aligns with the Romantic critique of industrialization and the Enlightenment’s faith in mechanical innovation, neither endorsing nor rejecting either outright. The dictionary thus mirrors broader anxieties about growth’s consequences.