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Katerfelto

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A generic name for a quack or charlatan. Katerfelto was a celebrated quack or influenza doctor. He was a tall man, who dressed in a long black gown and square cap. In 1782 he exhibited in London his solar microscope, and created immense excitement by showing the infusoria of [muddy] water. The doctor used to aver that he was the greatest philosopher since the time of Sir Isaac Newton.

“And Katerfelto with his hair on end,

At his own wonders wondering for his bread.”


Cowper: The Task; The Winter Evening (1782).

 

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Entry taken from Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, edited by the Rev. E. Cobham Brewer, LL.D. and revised in 1895.

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Kami
Kamsin
Kansas
Kansas
Karaites [Scripturists]
Karma
Karmathians
Karoon or Korah
Karrows
Kaswa (Al)
Katerfelto
Katharine or Katharina
Kathay
Katmir
Kay or Sir Key
Kayward
Keber
Kebla
Kebla-Noma
Kedar’s Tents
Kederli