For a more particular account of this extraordinary man, see 'the new and general Biographical Dictionary,' in twelve volumes, 8vo. 1774, in articulo. Johnson was used to visit this person, and would frequently adjourn with him in his lodging to a neighbouring alehouse, and, in the common room, converse with him on subjects of importance. In one of these conversations, Johnson took occasion to remark on the human mind, that it had a necessary tendency to improvement, and that it would frequently anticipate instruction, and enable ingenious minds to acquire knowledge. 'Sir,' said a stranger that overheard him, 'that I deny: I am a taylor, and have had many apprentices, but never one that could make a coat till I had taken great pains in teaching him.' (Hawkins)Modern day readers can also look in James Clifford's "Dictionary Johnson," pages 242-243 (McGraw Hill, 1979). (Lynch)