The contradictory rules that are given for the employment of H’s, and
the confusion that reigns in our best Pronouncing Dictionaries,
constitute an apology for the appearance of this publication. To promote
an uniform pronunciation based on the sole authority of contemporary
usage, is one of its purposes. To draw attention to the nature of the
present English Aspirate, is another. To seek redress for the digraph
WH, is a third. To render the subjects as interesting to the general
reader as the matter would allow, has been the great desire of the
writer.
It is with gratitude that I beg to express my thanks to the gentlemen
whose kind courtesy I have acknowledged on page 56; and to Professor
Bain, Professor Skeat, and His Eminence Cardinal Archbishop Manning, to
whose kindness I am indebted for assistance in the form of valuable
comments and advice. I beg also to thank the Rev. W. H. Bleaden, curate
to the Bishop of Aberdeen and Orkney; and John Davidson, Esq., Memb.
Arts Club, London, for the friendly help they have given me.