The Works of Samuel Johnson, Volume 05 - Miscellaneous Pieces by Samuel Johnson
page 20 of 591 (03%)
page 20 of 591 (03%)
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comprised in the general explanations; as from the verb _make_ arise
these phrases, to _make love_, to _make an end_, to _make way_; as, he _made way_ for his followers, the ship _made way_ before the wind; to _make a bed_, to _make merry_, to _make a mock_, to _make presents_, to _make a doubt_, to _make out an assertion_, to _make good_ a breach, to _make good_ a cause, to _make nothing_ of an attempt, to _make lamentation_, to _make a merit_, and many others which will occur in reading with that view, and which only their frequency hinders from being generally remarked. The great labour is yet to come, the labour of interpreting these words and phrases with brevity, fulness, and perspicuity; a task of which the extent and intricacy is sufficiently shown by the miscarriage of those who have generally attempted it. This difficulty is increased by the necessity of explaining the words in the same language; for there is often only one word for one idea; and though it be easy to translate the words _bright, sweet, salt, bitter_, into another language, it is not easy to explain them. With regard to the interpretation, many other questions have required consideration. It was some time doubted whether it be necessary to explain the things implied by particular words; as under the term _baronet_, whether, instead of this explanation, _a title of honour next in degree to that of baron_, it would be better to mention more particularly the creation, privileges, and rank of baronets; and whether, under the word _barometer_, instead of being satisfied with observing that it is _an instrument to discover the weight of the air_, it would be fit to spend a few lines upon its invention, construction, and principles. It is not to be expected, that with the explanation of the one the herald should be satisfied, or the philosopher with that of |
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