[§ 530]. The books I want are here.—This is a specimen of a true ellipsis. In all such phrases in full, there are three essential elements.
1. The first proposition; as the books are here.
2. The second proposition; as I want.
3. The word which connects the two propositions, and without which, they naturally make separate, independent, unconnected statements.
Now, although true and unequivocal ellipses are scarce,
the preceding is one of the most unequivocal kind—the word which connects the two propositions being wanting.
[§ 531]. One or two points connected with the construction of those sentences wherein relative pronouns occur, are necessary to be familiarly understood in order for us to see our way clearly to certain real and apparent anomalies in the syntax of this class of words.
1. Every sentence wherein a relative occurs, is complex, i.e., it consists of two propositions—the man who rides is come=(1) the man is come; (2) who rides. Here the relative who has no meaning in itself, but takes a meaning from the noun of the preceding clause.
2. The relative is the demonstrative or personal pronoun under another form.—The two propositions (1) the man is come; (2) who rides=(1) the man is come; (2) he rides.
3. The demonstrative or personal pronoun is the substantive in another form.—The two propositions (1) the man is come; (2) he rides=(1) the man is come; (2) the man rides.