The _first_ regular provincial newspapers appear to have been created in the last decade of the _seventeenth_ century, and by the middle of the _eighteenth_ century almost every important provincial town had its local organ.--BANCROFT.
These do not, like the other numerals, tell _how many_ things are meant. When we speak of the seventeenth century, we imply nothing as to how many centuries there may be.
148. As has been said, pronominal adjectives are primarily pronouns; but, when they _modify_ words instead of referring to them as antecedents, they are changed to adjectives. They are of two kinds,--RELATIVE and INTERROGATIVE,--and are used to join sentences or to ask questions, just as the corresponding pronouns do.
[Sidenote: _Modify names of persons or things._]
149. The RELATIVE ADJECTIVES are _which_ and _what_; for example,--
It matters not _what_ rank he has, _what_ revenues or garnitures. --CARLYLE.
The silver and laughing Xenil, careless _what_ lord should possess the banks that bloomed by its everlasting course.--BULWER.
The taking of _which_ bark. I verily believe, was the ruin of every mother's son of us.--KINGSLEY.
In _which_ evil strait Mr. Oxenham fought desperately.--_Id._
[Sidenote: _Indefinite relative adjectives._]
150. The INDEFINITE RELATIVE adjectives are _what_, _whatever_, _whatsoever_, _whichever_, _whichsoever_. Examples of their use are,--
He in his turn tasted some of its flavor, which, make _what_ sour mouths he would for pretense, proved not altogether displeasing to him.--LAMB.
_Whatever_ correction of our popular views from insight, nature will be sure to bear us out in.--EMERSON.
_Whatsoever_ kind of man he is, you at least give him full authority over your son.--RUSKIN.
Was there, as it rather seemed, a circle of ominous shadow moving along with his deformity, _whichever_ way he turned himself?--HAWTHORNE.
New torments I behold, and new tormented Around me, _whichsoever_ way I move, And _whichsoever_ way I turn, and gaze. --LONGFELLOW (FROM DANTE).
151. The INTERROGATIVE ADJECTIVES are _which_ and _what_. They may be used in direct and indirect questions. As in the pronouns, _which_ is selective among what is known; _what_ inquires about things or persons not known.