3. SYMBOLICAL CHARACTERS, or characters intended to express a particular object or idea by means of a mark bearing some supposed or imaginary analogy to the thing represented.
Symbolical characters differ from the two former classes of characters in this, that in the former, the sig nification of the mark is purely arbitrary ; in the symbo lical, it is connected with the object by some real or supposed resemblance, sometimes in appearance, but more commonly in properties, operations, or effects. Symbolical characters probably had their rise from pic ture writing, and were at first mere abbreviations, but af terwards became specific marks, formed by peculiar though arbitrary rules. Of this class of characters there are numerous kinds, such as hieroglyphics, symbols, ar morial-hearings, and other heraldric signs ; to which may be added, musical notes, scientific abbreviations, &c. For the account of each, see under the proper heads, HIEROGLYPHICS, SYMBOLS, HERALDRY, M usi a, ALGEBRA, &C.
II. 'Lie peculiar and distinguishing properties belong ing to an individual. This application of the term arises from these peculiar properties being regarded as tne marks by which different individuals of the same spe cies were distinguished and recognised. It is seldom, if ever, applied to bodily powers ; and even in mental qua.
lities, refers generally, though not universally, rather to moral than intellectual endowments. See MORAL PHI LOSOPHY.
III. The persons or agents exhibited in poetical or narrative composition. The distinctive properties of in dividuals, when in any way remarkable, forming, as it were, the marks by which they are recognized, these are frequently regarded as constituting the individual him self, especially when, by the influence or operation of such peculiar qualities, important events are produced upon the situation and conduct of other men. From this species of personification, the denomination of characters has been introduced, as denoting the individuals by whom the actions or events, which form the subject of compo sition, either poetical or narrative, are carried on. In re gard to what belongs to such characters, and in what manner their introduction, development, and operations, are to be regulated, see under the heads of Eric POE TRY, TRAGEDY, COMEDY, NOVEL WRITING, HISTORY, BIOGRAPHY, &c.
Besides the foregoing different applications of the form character, there are other subordinate ones ; but as they all relate immediately, or remotely, to those alrea dy considered, they require no particular notice. (a')