McGuffey's Eclectic Spelling Book

A revised spelling primer presents systematic instruction in English orthography, pronunciation, and syllabication, using Webster-style diacritics and canceled letters to indicate silent letters. It defines vowels, consonants, diphthongs and triphthongs, tabulates vowel and consonant sounds and their substitutes, explains syllables, accent, word formation (primitive, derivative, compound), and divides sounds into groups like mutes, semi-vowels, liquids and aspirates. Lessons include pronunciation drills, exercises on diacritical marks, lists of difficult words, prefixes and suffixes, alphabets including pictorial and script examples, and engraved illustrations to support classroom teaching.