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Pacific Press Publishing Company · New York · March 8, 1894

The New “Standard Dictionary.”

WE remarked some months since, after examining sample pages of Funk & Wagnalls’ new dictionary, that when the “Century Dictionary” was published, and immediately thereafter the “International,” we thought that little or nothing more was to be expected, or even desired, in the way of dictionaries, for years to come; but that the “Standard” promised to be superior in several respects to all others. This promise has been realized. The first volume of the “Standard” is now completed, and is even better than the sample pages led us to expect.

In point of material and workmanship the “Standard” is far superior to all other works of its kind. The book is one that any publishing house may well be proud of; and while for purposes of orthography and pronunciation but little fault can be found with any dictionary in common use in this country, the “Standard” has several new features which will certainly commend it to the general public.

It is impossible, in the space at our command, to mention all the good points in this dictionary. One very commendable feature is that it gives not only synonyms but antonyms, and also the proper prepositions. For instance:—

Antidote, n. 1. Anything that will counteract or remove the effects of poison, or disease, or the like. 2. Anything that will correct or counteract evil of any kind, physical or mental, or its effects. Synonyms: Corrective, cure, remedy, specific.—Antonyms: Bane, poison, venom, virus.—Prepositions: To, for, or against.

Another very satisfactory feature of the “Standard” is that the definitions are given first and the derivation of the word last. It is strange that lexicographers have not thought of this order before. Probably a dictionary is consulted a hundred times for spelling, pronunciation, and definition to one time for derivation.

We note with satisfaction also that the literary quotations made to illustrate the use of words are not the stock quotations given in other dictionaries, but are almost entirely new. This does not, of course, add to the “Standard” where it is used alone, for its literary illustrations are not superior to those used in other dictionaries, but it does add to its value for comparison.

The “Standard” has reduced the compounding of words to something approaching a logical system. This fact alone ought to endear it to printers and proof-readers, especially.

The illustrations in the “Standard” are both numerous and exceedingly good. Besides small illustrations on almost every page, Vol. I. is embellished with eight beautifully colored full-page lithographic plates. These are (1) Examples of Architecture, (2) Birds, (3) Coins, (4 and 5) Decorations of Honor, (6) Flags of America, Hawaii and Samoa, (7) Flags of Europe, Asia and Africa, (8) Gems and Precious Stones. Besides the lithographic plates there are full-page plates showing dogs, cattle, fowls, and horses. These illustrations add both to the beauty and utility of the “Standard.” In addition to the colored plate of ancient coins, there is a very full table of modern coins giving the value of each in English and American money.

The more conservative will find many things to criticise in the new dictionary. Preference is given to the so-called reformed spelling in many cases; and as with the “Century” authority can be found in the “Standard” for very many things not recognized by such authors as Webster and Worcester. But language is the result of growth, and usage makes law. Lexicographers do not make languages; they simply record them as they find them. The more refined and expressive slang of to-day will continue to become the perfect English of to-morrow, until time ends or progress ceases.

Full particulars and sample pages of the “Standard” can be secured by addressing the publishers, Funk & Wagnalls’ Company, New York City.