84 On the Institution of Literary 
bued with learning and science. But the most pow- 
erful understanding and the highest attainments af- 
ford no security against its influence. When once 
a member of the society is seized by this malady, he 
speedily shews symptoms of its attack; and if it be 
not vigorously checked in the outset, continues 
from time to time to manifest encreasing marks of 
its progress. He conceives himself an object of ge- 
neral attention ; and is ever on the watch to strength- 
en the opinion of*his talents and importance. His 
manner becomes studied, his tone dogmatical, his 
praises qualified, his censures peremptory. Ac- 
cordingly as he aims at the character of erudition, 
or of taste, his conversation is pedantic, or affected. 
He talks that he may be admired: he reads for the 
purpose of display. His compositions are loaded 
with technical terms; or glitter with false and super- 
abundant ornament. Whatever be the subject 
which he treats, his desire to shine is equally appa- 
rent and prejudicial. It pervades the researches of 
learning; it even infects the simplicity of philoso- 
phical demonstration. He proves himself ambiti- 
ous to evince the knowledge which he possesses ra- 
ther than earnest to acquire more. The information 
which he has accumulated, the discoveries which he 
makes, are degraded by the cumbrous and tawdry 
garb in which they are enveloped. The interests of 
literature have more to fear from his defects than to 
hope from his labours,’ The great stream of science 
