Antedating of "Terminology"

[Fred Shapiro]

terminology (OED 1801)

1771 Jacob Friedrich Bielfeld _The elements of universal erudition.
Containing an analytical abridgment of the sciences, polite arts, and
belles lettres_ 280 (Eighteenth Century Collections Online)  Ontology was
formerly regarded as a barren science, that consisted of technical terms
only; as a mere terminology; whereas the best modern philosophers make it
a more substantial science, by annexing determinate ideas to those words.

_Id._ 198  The terminology of alchymy is altogether as absurd as its
object; and the books, which have been written on this pretended science,
are a disgrace to the human understanding.  Expressions constantly dark,
without ideas, and without connexion; barbarous terms to express things
the most simple and natural; a ridiculous jargon, and mystic explications,
at which good sense perpetually stumbles, compose the essence of these
works; and it would be for ever vain there to seek, either demonstration,
reason, or the appearance of evidence.

Fred Shapiro


--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fred R. Shapiro                             Editor
Associate Librarian for Collections and     YALE DICTIONARY OF QUOTATIONS
  Access and Lecturer in Legal Research     Yale University Press,
Yale Law School                             forthcoming
e-mail: fred.shapiro at yale.edu               http://quotationdictionary.com
--------------------------------------------------------------------------