Philadelphia: E.H. Butler & Co., 1847. Hardcover. Uncommon. Andrew Comstock (1795 - 1864) was a physician and professor of elocution at Philadelphia Polyglott Gymnasium. The entire text of this book is spelled out phonetically using a new alphabet invented by Comstock, in which every elementary sound in the English language is represented with an alphabetic character. This new alphabet (which includes several Greek letters) has 38 simple letters and 6 compound letters. This book explains the importance of using phoentic spelling, describes how each letter should be pronounced, and includes reading exercises. In the preface, the author asks for "every friend of education and of humanity [to] use his influence and his means to promote" this new alphabetic system. Unfortunately, it did not catch on. Bound in full brown leather with dark brown and gilt label to spine. Both hinges are cracked with the front board nearly detached. Losses to leather along spine ends. Wear to spine, edges of boards, and corners. Rubbing and scuffing to leather. Light scattered foxing to interior. Penned previous owner's signature to front free endpaper. Occasional pencil markings Includes illustrations, decorated intials, and diagrams. 386 pages plus about 30 pages of ads. REF/081722. Very Good. More