The Two Grammars of Condillac

The reference text for Etienne de Condillac's Grammaire (Grammar) is that of the Cours d'Etude (Study Course) published in 1775 with the false indication that it was published at the Royal Printworks in Parma. However, it appears that the Palatine Library in Parma contains an autographed manuscript including "notes for the printer." This manuscript is noticeably shorter than the 1775 edition. A first printing of the Cours, prepared in Parma, was censored & only published in 1782 with the false localization Aux Deux Ponts. It contains a grammar that follows the Parma manuscript. It follows that this manuscript corresponds to an earlier stage of the grammar. Examination of the differences between the two versions reveals that the second version presents significant insights into the philosophical choices made by Condillac (eg, his rejection of the arbitrary nature of lang). 18 References. Modified HA