A newspaper, conducted on the true and natural principles of such a publication, ought to be the Register of the Times, and faithful recorder of every species of intelligence. It ought not to be engrossed by any particular object, but, like a well-covered table, it should contain something suited to every palate.
– John Walter, The Daily Universal Register, January 1785
Joanna,
The following verse was published in the Quebec Gazette back in 1770:
Tis truth (with deference to the college)
Newspapers are the spring of knowledge,
The general source through the nation,
Of every modern conversation.
What would this mighty people do,
If there, alas, were nothing new?
A newspaper is like a feast,
Some dish there is for every guest;
Some large, some small, some strong, some tender,
For every stomach, stout or slender.
(I think it probably goes on but that’s all I can find at the moment!)
Thank you so much for that!
There really are some lovely historical definitions of newspapers. There’s another one on the wall of our office, I might try and take a picture of it tomorrow…