Read the excerpt from Samuel Johnson’s preface to A Dictionary of the English Language. The solution of all difficulties, and th
e supply of all defects, must be sought in the examples, subjoined to the various senses of each word, and ranged according to the time of their authours. When first I collected these authorities, I was desirous that every quotation should be useful to some other end than the illustration of a word; I therefore extracted from philosophers principles of science; from historians remarkable facts; from chymists complete processes; from divines striking exhortations; and from poets beautiful descriptions. The excerpt suggests that Johnson’s work is significant because it reflects considerable literary research. includes colorful drawings and illustrations. is used by authorities in many fields of study. explains many scientific principles.
The correct answer is option A: it reflects considerable literary research.
Key word: literary research.
Samuel Johnson claimed to have extracted words from philosophers principles of science; from divines striking exhortations; and from poets beautiful descriptions, and so on.
Johnson's work is significant because <em>it reflects considerable literary research</em>. To make the definition of words more accurate, Johnson resorted to philosophers, historians and poets.
-(It) Includes colorful drawings and illustrations. The dictionary had illustrations but they were not enough. Nothing is said about colours.
- (It) is used by authorities in many fields of study. This is not said.
- (It) explains many scientific principles. Johnson resorted to philosophers and extracted from them principles of science but we do not know how many principles were used.
