Things to keep in mind:
The secret of Collections.
And though a Collection is not esteemed to carry with it a Proof of Genius and Understanding like a genuine Composition, yet the Labour must be allowed greater, as ’tis certainly more easy for a Person to pen his own Thoughts, than dexterously to select and range those of others; more especially if he has them to seek, compare and correct from a large Variety of Authors in different Languages. This has been my Task. And I wish my Performance may be looked on like the Bee’s Industry; as Honey will not lose its Taste or Virtue, by reflecting that that Insect was only a Collector, not Author of its Sweetness.
—posted 1009 days ago
