David Cram

Universal Language Schemes in the 17th Century

Universal language schemes in the 17th century developed through a number of stages, originating in shorthand and ‘real character’ systems and culminating in elaborate philosophical languages. They were the product of a varied set of motivations and objectives, and must be investigated in their larger historical context. They were a pan-European phenomenon but were pursued as a practicable objective, notably in Britain. Such schemes were a preoccupation of some of the leading scholars of the period, and served as a focus for speculation about the nature of language in general, language diversity, and language change.