The semi-vowels, which are f, l, m, n, r, v, s, x, z, and c and g soft, have an imperfect sound of themselves. Well! half a loaf is better than no bread.
L, m, n, r, are further distinguished by the name of liquids. Like certain other liquids they are good for mixing, that is to say, they readily unite with other consonants; and flow, as it were, into their sounds.
The specific gravity of liquids can only be rendered amusing by comical figures. The gravity, too, of a solid is generally the more ludicrous.
MUTES AND LIQUIDS.
A diphthong is the union of two vowels in one sound, as ea in heavy, eu in Meux, ou in stout.
A triphthong is a similar union of three vowels, as eau in the word beau; a term applied to dandies, and addressed to geese: probably because they are birds of a feather.
A proper diphthong is that in which the sound is formed by both the vowels: as, aw in awkward, ou in lout.
An improper diphthong is that in which the sound is formed by one of the vowels only, as ea in heartless, oa in hoax.