Lectures on the Science of Language (eBook)

Friedrich Max Müller, known primarily as F. Max Müller (1823–1900), was a German-born philologist and Orientalist, who stood as one of the foremost scholars of the 19th century. His scholarly work extended across the study of the Vedic religion, language, mythology, and philosophy. Müller was a pioneering figure in the study of comparative religion and comparative philology, contributing significantly to the understanding of the Indo-European language family. One of his most notable contributions is encapsulated in the 'Lectures on the Science of Language' (1861), which compiled his series of lectures delivered as the first professor of Comparative Philology at Oxford University. His work in these lectures laid the foundation for modern linguistic science, emphasizing the evolutionary development of languages and their cultural significance. Müller's literary style is marked by an emphasis on meticulous scholarship and a profound respect for the interconnectedness of language and thought in diverse human cultures. He wrote extensively, and his academic legacy includes a profound influence on the study of the history and development of languages. Müller's contributions extend beyond linguistics into the realm of religious studies; he was deeply invested in the comparative study of religions and the exploration of ancient texts. His works continue to be referenced by scholars in the fields of linguistics, religious studies, and cultural history.