The Quoting of Books and other Writings.

Dr. Bentley would not even allow that a book was worthy to be read that could not be quoted.

The learned John Selden some centuries since advised that "in quoting books, quote such authors as are usually" read; others, you may read for your own satisfaction, "but not name them." Selden's own conduct was at variance with his dictum; for in his own works he freely quotes from all sources—many of them the most recondite, and certainly not such as "Are Usually Read."

(S. W. Singer, F.S.A., 1855.)