3210. THAT THE QUALITY OF A MAN IS SOMETIMES DISTINGUISHED FROM A SINGLE WORD. That all words are ideas, and one word signifies many things, is also [evident] by affinities: so that thus also may the quality of a spirit be detected. Sometimes, from the most general [things]: as when it was inquired concerning someone whether he was merciful: it was said that he was kairful, which signifies mercy. When [I had gone on] farther in the way, it came to my ears, [and] I heard [as] at a distance that he was merciful, further on [I heard] somewhat nearer, that he loved the sex, or women, which also the same word signifies, farther on, when nearer, he was pitch-black, from kiam, so that he was coal-black. - 1748, September 20.