… state of ideotism. These have, for some years, been the silent and gloomy inhabitants of the Hospital, who have avoided conversation, and sought solitude; consequently have acquired no new ideas, and time has effaced the impression of those …
… could admire his talents. John Dunton referred to Defoe as ‘a man of good parts, and very clear sense’, adding that ‘his conversation is ingenious and brisk enough’ and ‘the World is well satisfied that he is enterprising and bold ’. 13 12 . …