1. Existing Sources:
* Earlier dictionaries: He meticulously studied existing dictionaries, including those by Nathan Bailey and John Kersey, absorbing their definitions and incorporating them into his own.
* Literature: He devoured vast quantities of English literature, from Shakespeare to contemporary writers. This provided him with a wealth of vocabulary and usage examples.
* Personal reading: Johnson was an avid reader and scholar, absorbing words from a diverse range of sources.
2. Collaboration:
* Learned friends: He enlisted the help of several learned friends, including the philosopher Edmund Burke, who provided him with specialized vocabulary and usage.
* Public appeal: He published an appeal in the "Gentleman's Magazine" asking readers to submit words and their definitions.
3. Observation and Analysis:
* Careful reading: He diligently read newspapers, journals, and other contemporary texts to capture the living language of his time.
* Logical reasoning: He used his knowledge of Latin and Greek to understand the etymology of words and their meanings.
4. His Own Style:
* Personal judgment: He made his own decisions about the best definitions and usage examples, reflecting his own unique perspective and literary taste.
Johnson's dictionary was a testament to his dedication and meticulousness, but it was also influenced by his time's cultural and linguistic trends. He prioritized clarity, accuracy, and elegance, while also seeking to standardize the English language and elevate its status.
While Johnson's dictionary has been praised for its scholarship and influence, it's important to acknowledge that it also reflected the biases of its time, particularly regarding gender and class. His work continues to be studied and debated, offering insights into the evolution of the English language and the history of lexicography.