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… — Tobias Smollett Copy Share Image
The bread I eat in London, is a deleterious paste, mixed up with chalk, alum, and bone ashes: insipid to the taste, and destructive… — Tobias Smollett Copy Share
One wit, like a knuckle of ham in soup, gives a zest and flavour to the dish, but more than one serves only to… — Tobias Smollett Copy Share
Thy spirit, Independence, let me share! Lord of the lion-heart and eagle-eye thy steps I follow with my bosom bare, nor heed the storm… — Tobias Smollett Copy Share
True courage scorns to vent her prowess in a storm of words; and to the valiant action speaks alone. — Tobias Smollett Copy Share
A man's opinion of danger varies at different times, in consequence of an irregular tide of animal spirits; and he is actuated by considerations… — Tobias Smollett Copy Share
“What passes for wine among us, is not the juice of the grape. It is an adulterous mixture, brewed up of nauseous ingredients, by… — Tobias Smollett Copy Share
The Highlanders regale themselves with whisky. They find it an excellent preservation against the winter cold. It is given with great success to the… — Tobias Smollett Copy Share
“Woe be to that nation, where the multitude is at liberty to follow their own inclinations!” — Tobias Smollett Copy Share
Writing is all a lottery -- I have been a loser by the works of the greatest men of the age. — Tobias Smollett Copy Share
![“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.).” quote by Tobias Smollett](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/6e1/tobias-smollett-18143_acquire_a-mere-index-hunter-who-held-the-eel-of_2385125.jpg)