"I am not yet so lost in lexicography, as to forget that words are the daughters of earth, and that things are the sons of heaven."
— Words

January 1, 1970

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Original Language: English

Sources

Samuel Johnson, Preface to his Dictionary. Sir William Jones quotes the saying as proverbial in India ("deeds" for "sons"). Same used by Sir Thomas Bodley—Letter to his Librarian. (1604).