This second volume in a series of French publications of specialized, introductory books on the study of linguistics presents a structured, panoramic view of the study of lexicology dating from the writings of Panini (4 B.C.) through recent linguistic developments. The selected readings, covering five major areas of concern, concentrate on: (1) the origins of lexicology, (2) the lexicon: linguistic concepts of unity and interrelationship, (3) the lexicon and human behavior, (4) lexicology and contemporary linguistics, and (5) applied linguistics. The development of subclassifications in each area reflects a chronological, systematic approach to the textual survey. An index of authors, languages and linguistic forms studied in the text, and a selected, extensive bibliography are included. For companion documents see FL 001 810 and FL 001 811. (RL)