In the vocabulary just completed, it has been the design to point out
the majority of errors occurring in the pronunciation of the words
usually selected by people of fair or excellent education to carry on
ordinary English discourse. In the portion of the work now under
consideration, nothing like such thoroughness is contemplated.
After a moment's reflection, it will appear to any one, that to
mention the thousands upon thousands of proper names, the erroneous
pronunciation of which is rather to be expected than the correct,
would require an elaborate volume. Every one who has striven to become
a fine orthoepist has longed for the ability to comprehend the
pronunciation of that myriad of names, any one of which is apt to
confront him in any book or paper he may chance to pick up. But to
become a proficient in this respect would require years of study and a
knowledge of the principles of many foreign languages.
Amongst geographical names, for example, who but the specially
instructed would think of pronouncing correctly _Goes_ (Hŏŏce),
_Gelves_ (Hĕl´vĕs) or _Jalapa_ (Hä-lä´pä); or amongst
biographical names, _Gaj_ (gī), _Geel_ (Hāl) or _Geijer_
(gī'er).
It is fortunate for the reputation of those who bear the name of being
good scholars, that errors in the pronunciation of most proper names
are excusable, which is not the case with the mistakes that have
before been laid down. But there are some proper names, of such
constant occurrence in daily lectures, reading and conversation, that
errors connected with them are not to be overlooked. It is the
intention here, simply to call attention to the more common of these,
and to lead the reader to appreciate the fact that if one depends upon
the usual power of the English letters to gain a correct pronunciation
of proper names, he will be more often led astray than otherwise.
The Authorities consulted are the best--Webster, Worcester,
Lippincott's Universal Pronouncing Dictionary of Biography and
Mythology and Lippincott's Pronouncing Gazetteer of the World.