A circle or a square are the same in idea.

    Neither whiteness nor redness are in the porphyry.

    Neither of them are remarkable for precision.

    Man is not such a machine as a clock or a watch, which move merely
    as they are moved.

    When sickness, infirmity, or reverse of fortune, affect us, the
    sincerity of friendship is proved.

    Man’s happiness or misery are, in a great measure, put into his own
    hands.

    Despise no infirmity of mind or body, nor any condition of life, for
    they may be thy own lot.

    The prince, as well as the people, were blameworthy.

RULE X.

A collective noun or noun of multitude, conveying unity of idea, generally has a verb or pronoun agreeing with it in the singular; as, “The meeting was large, and it held three hours.”

    NOTE.  Rules 10, and 11, are limited in their application.  See page.

FALSE SYNTAX.

    The nation are powerful.

    The fleet were seen sailing up the channel.

    The church have no power to inflict corporal punishment.  The
    flock, and not the fleece, are, or ought to be, the objects of the
    shepherd’s care.

    That nation was once powerful; but now they are feeble.

RULE XI.

A noun of multitude, conveying plurality of idea, must have a verb or pronoun agreeing with it in the plural; as, “The council were divided in their sentiments.”

FALSE SYNTAX.

    My people doth not consider.

    The multitude eagerly pursues pleasure as its chief good.

    The committee was divided in its sentiments, and it has referred the
    business to the general meeting.

    The people rejoices in that which should give it sorrow.

RULE XII.

A noun or pronoun in the possessive case, is governed by the noun it possesses; as, “Man’s happiness;” “Its value is great.”

NOTE 1.  When the possessor is described by a circumlocution, the possessive sign should generally be applied to the last term only; as, “The duke of Bridgewater’s canal; The bishop of Landaff’s excellent book; The captain of the guard’s house.”  This usage, however, ought generally to be avoided.  The words do not literally convey the ideas intended.  What nonsense to say, “This is the governor of Ohio’s house!”

2.  When nouns in the possessive case are in apposition, and follow each other in quick succession, the possessive sign is generally annexed to the last only; as, “For David my servant’s sake; John the Baptist’s head; The canal was built in consequence of De Witt Clinton the governor’s advice.”

But when a pause is proper, and the