An Essay Towards Fixing the True Standards of Wit, Humour, Railery, Satire, and Ridicule (1744)

An Essay Towards Fixing the True Standards of Wit, Humour, Railery, Satire, and Ridicule, written by Corbyn Morris in 1744, is a philosophical exploration of literary concepts, particularly focusing on wit and humor. Morris critiques previous definitions by authors like Dryden, Locke, and Addison, advocating for original inquiry to enhance literary understanding. The essay provides precise definitions and examples, comparing familiar literary works to illustrate the nuances between wit and humor, thereby laying a foundation for further exploration of these artistic expressions in literature and society.