As ð is to d so is κ to k.
As κ is to k so is γ to g.
As γ is to g so is σ to s.
As σ is to s so is ζ to z.
Hence p, b, t, d, k, g, s, z, are lene; f, v, þ, ð, κ, γ, σ, ζ, are aspirate. Also p, f, t, þ, k, κ, s, σ, are sharp, whilst b, v, d, ð, g, γ, z, ζ, are flat; so that there is a double series of relationship capable of being expressed as follows:—
| Lene. | Aspirate. | Sharp. | Flat. | ||||
| Sharp. | Flat. | Sharp. | Flat. | Lene. | Aspirate. | Lene. | Aspirate. |
| p | b | f | v | p | f | b | v |
| t | d | þ | ð | t | þ | d | ð |
| k | g | κ | γ | k | κ | g | γ |
| s | z | σ | ζ | s | σ | z | ζ |
All the so-called aspirates are continuous; and, with the exception of s and z, all the lenes are explosive.
[§ 116]. I believe that in the fact of each mute appearing in a four-fold form (i.e., sharp, or flat, lene, or aspirate), lies the essential character of the mutes as opposed to the liquids.
[§ 117]. Y and w.—These sounds, respectively intermediate to γ and i (the ee in feet), and to v and u (oo in book), form a transition from the vowels to the consonants.
[§ 118]. The French word roi, and the English words oil, house, are specimens of a fresh class of articulations; viz., of compound vowel sounds or diphthongs. The diphthong oi is the vowel o + the semivowel y. The diphthongal sound in roi is the vowel o + the semivowel w. In roi the semivowel element precedes, in oil it follows.