one; and one wonders how
any man, or set of men, can persist in so offensive a practice for a
whole day together; one should expect that the first effort towards
civilization would remove it even among savages."

'Chymistry was always an interesting pursuit with Dr. Johnson. Whilst
he was in Wiltshire, he attended some experiments that were made by a
physician at Salisbury, on the new kinds of air. In the course of the
experiments frequent mention being made of Dr. Priestley, Dr. Johnson
knit his brows, and in a stern manner inquired, "Why do we hear so much
of Dr. Priestley?" He was very properly answered, "Sir, because we are
indebted to him for these important discoveries." On this Dr. Johnson
appeared well content; and replied, "Well, well, I believe we are; and
let every man have the honour he has merited."'

'A friend was one day, about two years before his death, struck with
some instance of Dr. Johnson's great candour. "Well, Sir, (said he,) I
will always say that you are a very candid man." "Will you, (replied
the Doctor,) I doubt then you will be very singular. But, indeed, Sir,
(continued he,) I look upon myself to be a man very much misunderstood.
I am not an uncandid, nor am I a severe man. I sometimes say more than
I mean, in jest; and people are apt to believe me serious: however, I am
more candid than I was when I was younger. As I know more of mankind
I expect less of them, and am ready now to call a man A GOOD MAN, upon
easier terms than I was formerly."'

On his return from Heale he wrote to Dr. Burney:--

'I came home on the 18th at noon to a very disconsolate house. You and
I have lost our friends; but you have more friends at home. My domestick
companion is taken from me. She is much missed, for her acquisitions
were many, and her curiosity universal; so that she partook of every
conversation. I am not well enough to go much out; and to sit, and eat,
or fast alone, is very wearisome. I always mean to send my compliments
to all the ladies.'

His fortitude and patience met with severe trials during this year. The
stroke of the palsy has been related circumstantially; but he was also
afflicted with the gout, and was besides troubled with a complaint which
not only was attended with immediate inconvenience, but threatened him
with a chirurgical operation, from which most men would shrink. The
complaint was a sarcocele, which Johnson bore with uncommon firmness,
and was not at all frightened while