The results of comparative philology are now so generally incorporated into modern classical grammars, lexicons, and text-books, that even a slight knowledge of Sanskrit, if it be accurate so far as it goes, is of great service to the classical teacher in making his instruction interesting and effective. The design of a Sanskrit Reader is twofold. In the first place, it serves as an introduction to the comparative philology for the students. In the second place, it renders a knowledge of Sanskrit accessible. Besides, it is intended to help to correct some of the false notions which are prevalent regarding the relations of Sanskrit to other languages. It provides abundant material for a thorough drill in the language of the classical period; and furnishes a brief introduction to the works of the Vedic period, Mantra, Brahmana and Sutra. Among the Vedic hymns are, first some of the easiest, then some taken on account of their poetic of dramatic merit, or their ethical interest, and finally some taken because of their historical importance. The Brahmana pieces are chosen in such a way as to show the relation of this kind of literature to the hymns or Mantra. As regards the meanings, it enables the student to trace every signification back to the radical idea, by giving not only the meaning required for translating a particular passage, but also, if this is a secondary or tertiary or later meaning, the intermediate meanings, and in their logical order of development.
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