44.  Here I began to howl and scream abominably, which was no bad
     step towards my liberation.

     45.  The only aim of the war is to see which is the stronger of
     the two—­which is the master.

ADJECTIVES.

[Sidenote:  Office of Adjectives.]

139.  Nouns are seldom used as names of objects without additional words joined to them to add to their meaning.  For example, if we wish to speak of a friend’s house, we cannot guide one to it by merely calling it a house.  We need to add some words to tell its color, size, position, etc., if we are at a distance; and if we are near, we need some word to point out the house we speak of, so that no other will be mistaken for it.  So with any object, or with persons.

As to the kind of words used, we may begin with the common adjectives telling the characteristics of an object.  If a chemist discovers a new substance, he cannot describe it to others without telling its qualities:  he will say it is solid, or liquid, or gaseous; heavy or light; brittle or tough; white or red; etc.

Again, in pointing out an object, adjectives are used; such as in the expressions “this man,” “that house,” “yonder hill,” etc.

Instead of using nouns indefinitely, the number is limited by adjectives; as, “one hat,” “some cities,” “a hundred men.”

The office of an adjective, then, is to narrow down or limit the application of a noun.  It may have this office alone, or it may at the same time add to the meaning of the noun.

[Sidenote:  Substantives.]

140.  Nouns are not, however, the only words limited by adjectives:  pronouns and other words and expressions also have adjectives joined to them.  Any word or word group that performs the same office as a noun may be modified by adjectives.

To make this clear, notice the following sentences:—­

[Sidenote:  Pronoun.]

     If he be thankful for small benefits, it shows that he weighs
     men’s minds, and their trash.—­BACON.

[Sidenote:  Infinitives.]

     To err is human; to forgive, divine.—­POPE.

     With exception of the “and then,” the “and there,” and the still
     less significant “and so,” they constitute all his
     connections.—­COLERIDGE.

[Sidenote:  Definition.]

141.  An adjective is a word joined to a noun or other substantive word or expression, to describe it or to limit its application.

[Sidenote:  Classes of adjectives.]

142.  Adjectives are divided into four classes:—­

(1) Descriptive adjectives, which describe by expressing qualities or attributes of a substantive.