the unseemliness, drives the man either to stammering, a non-plus, or harping on that which should follow; whereas a slow speech confirmeth the memory, addeth a conceit of wisdom to the hearers, besides a seemliness of speech and countenance[732].”  Dr. Johnson’s method of conversation was certainly calculated to excite attention, and to amuse and instruct, (as it happened,) without wearying or confusing his company.  He was always most perfectly clear and perspicuous; and his language was so accurate, and his sentences so neatly constructed, that his conversation might have been all printed without any correction.  At the same time, it was easy and natural; the accuracy of it had no appearance of labour, constraint, or stiffness; he seemed more correct than others, by the force of habit, and the customary exercises of his powerful mind[733].’

’He spoke often in praise of French literature.  “The French are excellent in this, (he would say,) they have a book on every subject[734].”  From what he had seen of them he denied them the praise of superiour politeness[735], and mentioned, with very visible disgust, the custom they have of spitting on the floors of their apartments.  “This, (said the Doctor) is as gross a thing as can well be done; 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[736]."’

’Baxter’s Reasons of the Christian Religion, he thought contained the best collection of the evidences of the divinity of the Christian system.’

’Chymistry[737] 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[738].  In the course of the experiments frequent mention being made of Dr. Priestley, Dr. Johnson knit his brows, and in a stern manner enquired, “Why do we hear so much of Dr. Priestley[739]?” 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[740].’