AFFORDING THE FULLEST INSTRUCTION TO THOSE WHO HAVE
NOT THE ASSISTANCE OF AN ORAL TEACHER; ALSO
INTENDED AS A SCHOOL BOOK.

OFFICIAL STENOGRAPHER TO THE SURROGATE'S COURT OF NEW YORK.

NEW YORK:

HARPER & BROTHERS, PUBLISHERS,

FRANKLIN SQUARE.

1872.

ENTERED, ACCORDING TO ACT OF CONGRESS, IN THE YEAR 1866, BY

J. E. MUNSON,

IN THE CLERK'S OFFICE OF THE DISTRICT COURT FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT

OF NEW YORK.

PREFACE.

THE use of Phonography by shorthand writers has become so gertcral, and the superiority of the system over all other kinds of sto nography so universally acknowledged, that it is now unnecessary to say anything of its comparative merits, or to press its claims upon the public, for no one about to commence the study of shorthand would think for a moment of taking up any other. The principles, too, of the Science of Phonetics, upon which Phonography is based, are, in a sort of general way, so commonly understood, that an extended explanation of them seems to be no longer necessary. It is, however, highly proper, on presenting this new phonographic instruction-book to the public, that I should state my reasons for so doing, and more especially as it introduces several important modifications of the system.

The leading features of Phonography are the result of the labors of Mr. Isaac Pitman of England, who for nearly thirty years has devoted much of his time to its development and propagation; but the high degree of perfection to which it has been brought, is owing in great measure to the suggestions of thousands of practical phonographers, both in England and the United States. This mode of development has its merits and demerits. Coming as it has from the brains of such a vast number and variety of people, Phonography possesses a richness of material which could hardly have been obtained in any other way; but, on the other hand, this kind of growth has had a tendency to render the system less uniform and consistent in matters of detail than it would have been had it emanated from a single mind.

Now, my first aim has been to restore, as far as possible, simplicity and harmony, by adhering to general principles and discarding all unnecessary expedients; and my second, to more completely adapt the system to the requirements of the reporter. Mr. Pitman, in his very laudable desire and efforts to bring the benefits of Phonography within reach of the masses of England, has seriously, and as I think unnecessarily, impaired it as a mere system of stenography. This work, however, has been prepared expressly in the interest of reporting, and hence everything that would tend to hinder the learner in acquiring a knowledge of the art for that purpose, has been omitted.