Every first consonant in a word is strong, as it constitutes the radical or invariable part of the word.
The force of this consonant is subordinate to the ruling degree of the idea it is called to decide. But every vowel which precedes this first consonant is long, since it serves as a preparation for it. But to what degree of length may this initial vowel be carried? The representative figure of the consonant will indicate it.
Usually, the first consonant of every word is radical. Still there might be other radical consonants in the same word. But the first would rise above the others.
The radical designates the substance of being, and the last consonant the manner.
The whole secret of expression lies in the time we delay the articulation of the initial consonant. This space arrests the attention and prevents our catching the sound at a disadvantage.
Latin Prosody.
1. The final of a word of several syllables is usually short.
2. In words of two syllables, the first is long. In Latin words of two syllables, the first almost always contains the radical.
3. In words of three and more syllables, there is one long syllable: sometimes the first, sometimes another. We rest only upon this, all the others being counted more or less short.
In compound words no account need be made of prefixes; There are many compound words; and, consequently, it is often the last or next to the last consonant which is the radical.