The Season began again to show itself this morning in a severe degree of Cold. I went to the Office as usual, and from thence to an Auction Room where were to be sold two or three books that I wanted very much.1 It is my rule to buy no books, yet how often I infringe upon it. Today however I really did not repent, for such a work as Middleton’s Life of Cicero is to me almost necessary in my present pursuit and certainly beneficial.2 To keep a work of that kind out of the Athenaeum would be impossible so long as I must want it, and to 401buy a good Copy of it at Auction prices is rare. I also obtained Guthrie’s translation of Cicero’s Offices,3 which is a valuable though not so very desirable an acquisition. Read Enfield at my Office and finished the History of the Ionic School which is a principal branch of Ancient Philosophy. But the Book must be often referred to, in order to fix the knowledge I acquire.

After dinner, reading the rest of the Topica, which is short, in this case a recommendation for it is both dry and difficult. Much of it the same with what is found in the books de Inventione and both taken from Aristotle. I began to review them also, for one reading does but clear the way. Evening, continued reading the book upon Spain, and much pleased with it. After which, I worked upon the Catalogue, until I brought it down to X which is cheering. Also read the usual numbers of the Tatler.

Morning cold again and clear. I went to the Office as usual and occupied myself with writing. Conversation with my opposite Neighbour Mr. Peabody, and reading Enfield in which I accomplished a portion of the book containing the Account of Pythagoras and his School. But day after day I find the insufficiency of my time. I received a letter from my Father1 informing me of his paying Mr. Johnson2 which puts me at ease about my funds here although the two Tenants, Spear and Oliver have failed to pay. This will not do at all. Miss Oliver owes now $250. Went to the Athenaeum to pay my annual subscription and to try and find a book, but as I really could not see one that I felt as if I wanted, I only obtained a couple for my Wife and went home.

After dinner I continued and finished the review of the Topica, in which I was much helped by reading one of my father’s Lectures upon the subject.3 He seems fully to have studied and written from Antiquity, and I think his Book is much less valued than it should be.

In the Evening, we read French and I continued A Year in Spain to my Wife, after which I put a finishing hand to that Catalogue which has been so long in labour. This is truly delightful as it leaves room for an hour or two more of reading. I this evening accomplished a considerable portion of the North American Review, especially a 402heretical Article on the U.S. Bank by Mr. Bancroft.4 After which, two Numbers of the Tatler.