A mere index hunter, who held the eel of science by the tail. Index-hunter is a term used mockingly, meaning one who acquires superficial knowledge merely by consulting indexes. The '[holding] the eel of science by the tail' allusion was used in 1728 by Alexander Pope (q.v.).

I think for my part one half of the nation is mad - and the other not very sound.

The great Cham of literature. (Samuel Johnson)

Ridiculous modes, invented by ignorance, and adopted by folly.

There is not room to swing a cat.

The Highlanders regale themselves with whisky. They find it an excellent preservation against the winter cold. It is given with great success to the infants in the confluent smallpox.

The capital is become an overgrown monster; which, like a dropsical head, will in time leave the body and extremities without nourishment and support.