* * * * *
An
ESSAY
on
Wit, Humour, Raillery, & c.
WIT is the LUSTRE resulting from the quick ELUCIDATION of one
Subject, by a _just_ and unexpected ARRANGEMENT of it with
another Subject.
This _Definition_ of WIT will more clearly appear by a short
Explanation.
It is the Province of WIT to _elucidate_, or _enlighten_ a Subject,
not by reasoning upon that Subject, but by a just and unexpected
Introduction of another _similar_, or _opposite_ Subject; whereby,
upon their _Arrangement_ together, the _original_ Subject may be _set
off_, and more clearly _enlighten'd_, by their obvious Comparison.
It may be proper, for the sake of Distinction, to call the Subject,
which is the Basis and Ground-work, the _original_ Subject; and that
which is introduced, in order to _elucidate_ it, the _auxiliary_
Subject.
That there be always an apparent Chain or Connexion, or else an
obvious Agreement or Contrast, between the two Subjects, is absolutely
requir'd, in order that the _Auxiliary_ one may be _justly_
introduced; otherwise, instead of WIT, there will only appear
a rambling _Vivacity_, in wild, unprovoked Sallies.
And yet _every just_ or _natural_ Introduction of an _auxiliary_
Subject will not produce WIT, unless a new _Lustre_ is reflected
from thence upon the _original_ Subject.
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