So did the lever, and probably alphabetic writing, and the number system.

There were, doubtless, many steps taken in slow succession before the invention of alphabetic writing.

Before the spread of alphabetic writing, systems making much use of logograms were more common and included Egyptian hieroglyphs, Maya glyphs, and Sumerian cuneiform.

The first three periods-theformation of primitive societies, followed by the pastoral age, and the agricultural age-concludewith the invention of alphabetic writing in Greece.

Hieroglyphic figures, and even characters in regular lines, are seen sculptured on their sides; though I doubt whether they bear any analogy to alphabetic writing.

Alphabetic writing, although more simple and stabilized, is really more difficult than ideographic writing.

Alphabetic writing annihilates this frame of experience based on resemblance.

Were Hieroglyphics employed before or after Alphabetic Writing?

Alphabetic writing was of a later date.