Chapter XVIII

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading Having found a general line of books so profitable to handle, it might be supposed that I would have stuck to that, and not experimented with exclusive work in a single line.

(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something

From this reading While engaged in this work I made better money, came in contact with a better class of customers, looked better, felt better and was better in bodily appearance and mental condition than I ever was before; and what was far better, I was able to put by and hold on to a far greater portion of my earnings.

a record or narrative description of past events

From this reading ADDING TO BANK ACCOUNT—LOOKED BETTER, FELT BETTER AND WAS BETTER—SELLING ENCYCLOPEDIAS—COMPLETE CANVASS—TRICKY AND PERSISTENT—ADVERTISING SCHEMES—TRICKS OF THE PRESENT DAY—DISGUISES—HOW DIFFERENT BUSINESS MEN WERE WORKED—STRATEGY.

-ing form of “add” — make an addition (to); join or combine or unite with others; increase the quality, quantity, size or scope of

From this reading ADDING TO BANK ACCOUNT—LOOKED BETTER, FELT BETTER AND WAS BETTER—SELLING ENCYCLOPEDIAS—COMPLETE CANVASS—TRICKY AND PERSISTENT—ADVERTISING SCHEMES—TRICKS OF THE PRESENT DAY—DISGUISES—HOW DIFFERENT BUSINESS MEN WERE WORKED—STRATEGY.

a public promotion of some product or service

From this reading ADDING TO BANK ACCOUNT—LOOKED BETTER, FELT BETTER AND WAS BETTER—SELLING ENCYCLOPEDIAS—COMPLETE CANVASS—TRICKY AND PERSISTENT—ADVERTISING SCHEMES—TRICKS OF THE PRESENT DAY—DISGUISES—HOW DIFFERENT BUSINESS MEN WERE WORKED—STRATEGY.

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading ADDING TO BANK ACCOUNT—LOOKED BETTER, FELT BETTER AND WAS BETTER—SELLING ENCYCLOPEDIAS—COMPLETE CANVASS—TRICKY AND PERSISTENT—ADVERTISING SCHEMES—TRICKS OF THE PRESENT DAY—DISGUISES—HOW DIFFERENT BUSINESS MEN WERE WORKED—STRATEGY.

outward or visible aspect of a person or thing

From this reading While engaged in this work I made better money, came in contact with a better class of customers, looked better, felt better and was better in bodily appearance and mental condition than I ever was before; and what was far better, I was able to put by and hold on to a far greater portion of my earnings.

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading I reasoned, however, that a large commission, made just as easily and rapidly as a small one, was a great deal better for the bank account, and so I finally switched off from the general line to the selling of forty dollar encyclopedias.

sloping land (especially the slope beside a body of water)

From this reading ADDING TO BANK ACCOUNT—LOOKED BETTER, FELT BETTER AND WAS BETTER—SELLING ENCYCLOPEDIAS—COMPLETE CANVASS—TRICKY AND PERSISTENT—ADVERTISING SCHEMES—TRICKS OF THE PRESENT DAY—DISGUISES—HOW DIFFERENT BUSINESS MEN WERE WORKED—STRATEGY.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading Having found a general line of books so profitable to handle, it might be supposed that I would have stuck to that, and not experimented with exclusive work in a single line.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading While engaged in this work I made better money, came in contact with a better class of customers, looked better, felt better and was better in bodily appearance and mental condition than I ever was before; and what was far better, I was able to put by and hold on to a far greater portion of my earnings.

(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another

From this reading ADDING TO BANK ACCOUNT—LOOKED BETTER, FELT BETTER AND WAS BETTER—SELLING ENCYCLOPEDIAS—COMPLETE CANVASS—TRICKY AND PERSISTENT—ADVERTISING SCHEMES—TRICKS OF THE PRESENT DAY—DISGUISES—HOW DIFFERENT BUSINESS MEN WERE WORKED—STRATEGY.

in bodily form

From this reading While engaged in this work I made better money, came in contact with a better class of customers, looked better, felt better and was better in bodily appearance and mental condition than I ever was before; and what was far better, I was able to put by and hold on to a far greater portion of my earnings.

Bound written or printed works.

From this reading Having found a general line of books so profitable to handle, it might be supposed that I would have stuck to that, and not experimented with exclusive work in a single line.

a commercial or industrial enterprise and the people who constitute it

From this reading ADDING TO BANK ACCOUNT—LOOKED BETTER, FELT BETTER AND WAS BETTER—SELLING ENCYCLOPEDIAS—COMPLETE CANVASS—TRICKY AND PERSISTENT—ADVERTISING SCHEMES—TRICKS OF THE PRESENT DAY—DISGUISES—HOW DIFFERENT BUSINESS MEN WERE WORKED—STRATEGY.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading While engaged in this work I made better money, came in contact with a better class of customers, looked better, felt better and was better in bodily appearance and mental condition than I ever was before; and what was far better, I was able to put by and hold on to a far greater portion of my earnings.

inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading While engaged in this work I made better money, came in contact with a better class of customers, looked better, felt better and was better in bodily appearance and mental condition than I ever was before; and what was far better, I was able to put by and hold on to a far greater portion of my earnings.

get the opinions (of people) by asking specific questions

From this reading ADDING TO BANK ACCOUNT—LOOKED BETTER, FELT BETTER AND WAS BETTER—SELLING ENCYCLOPEDIAS—COMPLETE CANVASS—TRICKY AND PERSISTENT—ADVERTISING SCHEMES—TRICKS OF THE PRESENT DAY—DISGUISES—HOW DIFFERENT BUSINESS MEN WERE WORKED—STRATEGY.

a railcar where passengers ride

From this reading In soliciting for encyclopedias I used a horse and carriage, and made a thorough, systematic canvass of every town visited.

a collection of things sharing a common attribute

From this reading While engaged in this work I made better money, came in contact with a better class of customers, looked better, felt better and was better in bodily appearance and mental condition than I ever was before; and what was far better, I was able to put by and hold on to a far greater portion of my earnings.

a special group delegated to consider some matter

From this reading I reasoned, however, that a large commission, made just as easily and rapidly as a small one, was a great deal better for the bank account, and so I finally switched off from the general line to the selling of forty dollar encyclopedias.

come or bring to a finish or an end

From this reading ADDING TO BANK ACCOUNT—LOOKED BETTER, FELT BETTER AND WAS BETTER—SELLING ENCYCLOPEDIAS—COMPLETE CANVASS—TRICKY AND PERSISTENT—ADVERTISING SCHEMES—TRICKS OF THE PRESENT DAY—DISGUISES—HOW DIFFERENT BUSINESS MEN WERE WORKED—STRATEGY.

a state at a particular time

From this reading While engaged in this work I made better money, came in contact with a better class of customers, looked better, felt better and was better in bodily appearance and mental condition than I ever was before; and what was far better, I was able to put by and hold on to a far greater portion of my earnings.

close interaction

From this reading While engaged in this work I made better money, came in contact with a better class of customers, looked better, felt better and was better in bodily appearance and mental condition than I ever was before; and what was far better, I was able to put by and hold on to a far greater portion of my earnings.

plural of “customer” — someone who pays for goods or services

From this reading While engaged in this work I made better money, came in contact with a better class of customers, looked better, felt better and was better in bodily appearance and mental condition than I ever was before; and what was far better, I was able to put by and hold on to a far greater portion of my earnings.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading ADDING TO BANK ACCOUNT—LOOKED BETTER, FELT BETTER AND WAS BETTER—SELLING ENCYCLOPEDIAS—COMPLETE CANVASS—TRICKY AND PERSISTENT—ADVERTISING SCHEMES—TRICKS OF THE PRESENT DAY—DISGUISES—HOW DIFFERENT BUSINESS MEN WERE WORKED—STRATEGY.

act on verbally or in some form of artistic expression

From this reading I reasoned, however, that a large commission, made just as easily and rapidly as a small one, was a great deal better for the bank account, and so I finally switched off from the general line to the selling of forty dollar encyclopedias.

unlike in nature or quality or form or degree

From this reading ADDING TO BANK ACCOUNT—LOOKED BETTER, FELT BETTER AND WAS BETTER—SELLING ENCYCLOPEDIAS—COMPLETE CANVASS—TRICKY AND PERSISTENT—ADVERTISING SCHEMES—TRICKS OF THE PRESENT DAY—DISGUISES—HOW DIFFERENT BUSINESS MEN WERE WORKED—STRATEGY.

plural of “disguise” — an outward semblance that misrepresents the true nature of something

From this reading ADDING TO BANK ACCOUNT—LOOKED BETTER, FELT BETTER AND WAS BETTER—SELLING ENCYCLOPEDIAS—COMPLETE CANVASS—TRICKY AND PERSISTENT—ADVERTISING SCHEMES—TRICKS OF THE PRESENT DAY—DISGUISES—HOW DIFFERENT BUSINESS MEN WERE WORKED—STRATEGY.

the basic monetary unit in many countries; equal to 100 cents

From this reading I reasoned, however, that a large commission, made just as easily and rapidly as a small one, was a great deal better for the bank account, and so I finally switched off from the general line to the selling of forty dollar encyclopedias.

the excess of revenues over outlays in a given period of time (including depreciation and other non-cash expenses)

From this reading While engaged in this work I made better money, came in contact with a better class of customers, looked better, felt better and was better in bodily appearance and mental condition than I ever was before; and what was far better, I was able to put by and hold on to a far greater portion of my earnings.

with ease (“easy” is sometimes used informally for “easily”)

From this reading I reasoned, however, that a large commission, made just as easily and rapidly as a small one, was a great deal better for the bank account, and so I finally switched off from the general line to the selling of forty dollar encyclopedias.

plural of “encyclopedia” — a reference work (often in several volumes) containing articles on various topics (often arranged in alphabetical order) dealing with the entire range of human knowledge or with some particular specialty

From this reading ADDING TO BANK ACCOUNT—LOOKED BETTER, FELT BETTER AND WAS BETTER—SELLING ENCYCLOPEDIAS—COMPLETE CANVASS—TRICKY AND PERSISTENT—ADVERTISING SCHEMES—TRICKS OF THE PRESENT DAY—DISGUISES—HOW DIFFERENT BUSINESS MEN WERE WORKED—STRATEGY.

having ones attention or mind or energy engaged

From this reading While engaged in this work I made better money, came in contact with a better class of customers, looked better, felt better and was better in bodily appearance and mental condition than I ever was before; and what was far better, I was able to put by and hold on to a far greater portion of my earnings.

at any time

From this reading While engaged in this work I made better money, came in contact with a better class of customers, looked better, felt better and was better in bodily appearance and mental condition than I ever was before; and what was far better, I was able to put by and hold on to a far greater portion of my earnings.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading In soliciting for encyclopedias I used a horse and carriage, and made a thorough, systematic canvass of every town visited.

not divided or shared with others

From this reading Having found a general line of books so profitable to handle, it might be supposed that I would have stuck to that, and not experimented with exclusive work in a single line.

past form of “experiment” — to conduct a test or investigation

From this reading Having found a general line of books so profitable to handle, it might be supposed that I would have stuck to that, and not experimented with exclusive work in a single line.

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading While engaged in this work I made better money, came in contact with a better class of customers, looked better, felt better and was better in bodily appearance and mental condition than I ever was before; and what was far better, I was able to put by and hold on to a far greater portion of my earnings.

mat together and make felt-like

From this reading ADDING TO BANK ACCOUNT—LOOKED BETTER, FELT BETTER AND WAS BETTER—SELLING ENCYCLOPEDIAS—COMPLETE CANVASS—TRICKY AND PERSISTENT—ADVERTISING SCHEMES—TRICKS OF THE PRESENT DAY—DISGUISES—HOW DIFFERENT BUSINESS MEN WERE WORKED—STRATEGY.

after an unspecified period of time or an especially long delay

From this reading I reasoned, however, that a large commission, made just as easily and rapidly as a small one, was a great deal better for the bank account, and so I finally switched off from the general line to the selling of forty dollar encyclopedias.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading I reasoned, however, that a large commission, made just as easily and rapidly as a small one, was a great deal better for the bank account, and so I finally switched off from the general line to the selling of forty dollar encyclopedias.

being ten more than thirty

From this reading I reasoned, however, that a large commission, made just as easily and rapidly as a small one, was a great deal better for the bank account, and so I finally switched off from the general line to the selling of forty dollar encyclopedias.

set up or found

From this reading Having found a general line of books so profitable to handle, it might be supposed that I would have stuck to that, and not experimented with exclusive work in a single line.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading I reasoned, however, that a large commission, made just as easily and rapidly as a small one, was a great deal better for the bank account, and so I finally switched off from the general line to the selling of forty dollar encyclopedias.

applying to all or most members of a category or group

From this reading Having found a general line of books so profitable to handle, it might be supposed that I would have stuck to that, and not experimented with exclusive work in a single line.

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading I reasoned, however, that a large commission, made just as easily and rapidly as a small one, was a great deal better for the bank account, and so I finally switched off from the general line to the selling of forty dollar encyclopedias.

greater in size or importance or degree

From this reading While engaged in this work I made better money, came in contact with a better class of customers, looked better, felt better and was better in bodily appearance and mental condition than I ever was before; and what was far better, I was able to put by and hold on to a far greater portion of my earnings.

be in charge of, act on, or dispose of

From this reading Having found a general line of books so profitable to handle, it might be supposed that I would have stuck to that, and not experimented with exclusive work in a single line.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Having found a general line of books so profitable to handle, it might be supposed that I would have stuck to that, and not experimented with exclusive work in a single line.

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading Having found a general line of books so profitable to handle, it might be supposed that I would have stuck to that, and not experimented with exclusive work in a single line.

cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”

From this reading While engaged in this work I made better money, came in contact with a better class of customers, looked better, felt better and was better in bodily appearance and mental condition than I ever was before; and what was far better, I was able to put by and hold on to a far greater portion of my earnings.

solid-hoofed herbivorous quadruped domesticated since prehistoric times

From this reading In soliciting for encyclopedias I used a horse and carriage, and made a thorough, systematic canvass of every town visited.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading ADDING TO BANK ACCOUNT—LOOKED BETTER, FELT BETTER AND WAS BETTER—SELLING ENCYCLOPEDIAS—COMPLETE CANVASS—TRICKY AND PERSISTENT—ADVERTISING SCHEMES—TRICKS OF THE PRESENT DAY—DISGUISES—HOW DIFFERENT BUSINESS MEN WERE WORKED—STRATEGY.

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading I reasoned, however, that a large commission, made just as easily and rapidly as a small one, was a great deal better for the bank account, and so I finally switched off from the general line to the selling of forty dollar encyclopedias.

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading Having found a general line of books so profitable to handle, it might be supposed that I would have stuck to that, and not experimented with exclusive work in a single line.

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading Having found a general line of books so profitable to handle, it might be supposed that I would have stuck to that, and not experimented with exclusive work in a single line.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Having found a general line of books so profitable to handle, it might be supposed that I would have stuck to that, and not experimented with exclusive work in a single line.

and nothing more

From this reading I reasoned, however, that a large commission, made just as easily and rapidly as a small one, was a great deal better for the bank account, and so I finally switched off from the general line to the selling of forty dollar encyclopedias.

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading I reasoned, however, that a large commission, made just as easily and rapidly as a small one, was a great deal better for the bank account, and so I finally switched off from the general line to the selling of forty dollar encyclopedias.

a formation of people or things one beside another

From this reading Having found a general line of books so profitable to handle, it might be supposed that I would have stuck to that, and not experimented with exclusive work in a single line.

past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading ADDING TO BANK ACCOUNT—LOOKED BETTER, FELT BETTER AND WAS BETTER—SELLING ENCYCLOPEDIAS—COMPLETE CANVASS—TRICKY AND PERSISTENT—ADVERTISING SCHEMES—TRICKS OF THE PRESENT DAY—DISGUISES—HOW DIFFERENT BUSINESS MEN WERE WORKED—STRATEGY.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading I reasoned, however, that a large commission, made just as easily and rapidly as a small one, was a great deal better for the bank account, and so I finally switched off from the general line to the selling of forty dollar encyclopedias.

the force of workers available

From this reading ADDING TO BANK ACCOUNT—LOOKED BETTER, FELT BETTER AND WAS BETTER—SELLING ENCYCLOPEDIAS—COMPLETE CANVASS—TRICKY AND PERSISTENT—ADVERTISING SCHEMES—TRICKS OF THE PRESENT DAY—DISGUISES—HOW DIFFERENT BUSINESS MEN WERE WORKED—STRATEGY.

involving the mind or an intellectual process

From this reading While engaged in this work I made better money, came in contact with a better class of customers, looked better, felt better and was better in bodily appearance and mental condition than I ever was before; and what was far better, I was able to put by and hold on to a far greater portion of my earnings.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading Having found a general line of books so profitable to handle, it might be supposed that I would have stuck to that, and not experimented with exclusive work in a single line.

the most common medium of exchange; functions as legal tender

From this reading While engaged in this work I made better money, came in contact with a better class of customers, looked better, felt better and was better in bodily appearance and mental condition than I ever was before; and what was far better, I was able to put by and hold on to a far greater portion of my earnings.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading While engaged in this work I made better money, came in contact with a better class of customers, looked better, felt better and was better in bodily appearance and mental condition than I ever was before; and what was far better, I was able to put by and hold on to a far greater portion of my earnings.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Having found a general line of books so profitable to handle, it might be supposed that I would have stuck to that, and not experimented with exclusive work in a single line.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading ADDING TO BANK ACCOUNT—LOOKED BETTER, FELT BETTER AND WAS BETTER—SELLING ENCYCLOPEDIAS—COMPLETE CANVASS—TRICKY AND PERSISTENT—ADVERTISING SCHEMES—TRICKS OF THE PRESENT DAY—DISGUISES—HOW DIFFERENT BUSINESS MEN WERE WORKED—STRATEGY.

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading I reasoned, however, that a large commission, made just as easily and rapidly as a small one, was a great deal better for the bank account, and so I finally switched off from the general line to the selling of forty dollar encyclopedias.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading While engaged in this work I made better money, came in contact with a better class of customers, looked better, felt better and was better in bodily appearance and mental condition than I ever was before; and what was far better, I was able to put by and hold on to a far greater portion of my earnings.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading I reasoned, however, that a large commission, made just as easily and rapidly as a small one, was a great deal better for the bank account, and so I finally switched off from the general line to the selling of forty dollar encyclopedias.

never-ceasing

From this reading ADDING TO BANK ACCOUNT—LOOKED BETTER, FELT BETTER AND WAS BETTER—SELLING ENCYCLOPEDIAS—COMPLETE CANVASS—TRICKY AND PERSISTENT—ADVERTISING SCHEMES—TRICKS OF THE PRESENT DAY—DISGUISES—HOW DIFFERENT BUSINESS MEN WERE WORKED—STRATEGY.

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading While engaged in this work I made better money, came in contact with a better class of customers, looked better, felt better and was better in bodily appearance and mental condition than I ever was before; and what was far better, I was able to put by and hold on to a far greater portion of my earnings.

give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading ADDING TO BANK ACCOUNT—LOOKED BETTER, FELT BETTER AND WAS BETTER—SELLING ENCYCLOPEDIAS—COMPLETE CANVASS—TRICKY AND PERSISTENT—ADVERTISING SCHEMES—TRICKS OF THE PRESENT DAY—DISGUISES—HOW DIFFERENT BUSINESS MEN WERE WORKED—STRATEGY.

yielding material gain or profit

From this reading Having found a general line of books so profitable to handle, it might be supposed that I would have stuck to that, and not experimented with exclusive work in a single line.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading While engaged in this work I made better money, came in contact with a better class of customers, looked better, felt better and was better in bodily appearance and mental condition than I ever was before; and what was far better, I was able to put by and hold on to a far greater portion of my earnings.

with speed

From this reading I reasoned, however, that a large commission, made just as easily and rapidly as a small one, was a great deal better for the bank account, and so I finally switched off from the general line to the selling of forty dollar encyclopedias.

logically valid

From this reading I reasoned, however, that a large commission, made just as easily and rapidly as a small one, was a great deal better for the bank account, and so I finally switched off from the general line to the selling of forty dollar encyclopedias.

plural of “scheme” — an elaborate and systematic plan of action

From this reading ADDING TO BANK ACCOUNT—LOOKED BETTER, FELT BETTER AND WAS BETTER—SELLING ENCYCLOPEDIAS—COMPLETE CANVASS—TRICKY AND PERSISTENT—ADVERTISING SCHEMES—TRICKS OF THE PRESENT DAY—DISGUISES—HOW DIFFERENT BUSINESS MEN WERE WORKED—STRATEGY.

the exchange of goods for an agreed sum of money

From this reading ADDING TO BANK ACCOUNT—LOOKED BETTER, FELT BETTER AND WAS BETTER—SELLING ENCYCLOPEDIAS—COMPLETE CANVASS—TRICKY AND PERSISTENT—ADVERTISING SCHEMES—TRICKS OF THE PRESENT DAY—DISGUISES—HOW DIFFERENT BUSINESS MEN WERE WORKED—STRATEGY.

being or characteristic of a single thing or person

From this reading Having found a general line of books so profitable to handle, it might be supposed that I would have stuck to that, and not experimented with exclusive work in a single line.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading I reasoned, however, that a large commission, made just as easily and rapidly as a small one, was a great deal better for the bank account, and so I finally switched off from the general line to the selling of forty dollar encyclopedias.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Having found a general line of books so profitable to handle, it might be supposed that I would have stuck to that, and not experimented with exclusive work in a single line.

-ing form of “solicit” — make a solicitation or entreaty for something; request urgently or persistently

From this reading In soliciting for encyclopedias I used a horse and carriage, and made a thorough, systematic canvass of every town visited.

an elaborate and systematic plan of action

From this reading ADDING TO BANK ACCOUNT—LOOKED BETTER, FELT BETTER AND WAS BETTER—SELLING ENCYCLOPEDIAS—COMPLETE CANVASS—TRICKY AND PERSISTENT—ADVERTISING SCHEMES—TRICKS OF THE PRESENT DAY—DISGUISES—HOW DIFFERENT BUSINESS MEN WERE WORKED—STRATEGY.

caught or fixed

From this reading Having found a general line of books so profitable to handle, it might be supposed that I would have stuck to that, and not experimented with exclusive work in a single line.

required or under orders

From this reading Having found a general line of books so profitable to handle, it might be supposed that I would have stuck to that, and not experimented with exclusive work in a single line.

past form of “switch” — change over, change around, as to a new order or sequence

From this reading I reasoned, however, that a large commission, made just as easily and rapidly as a small one, was a great deal better for the bank account, and so I finally switched off from the general line to the selling of forty dollar encyclopedias.

characterized by order and planning

From this reading In soliciting for encyclopedias I used a horse and carriage, and made a thorough, systematic canvass of every town visited.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading While engaged in this work I made better money, came in contact with a better class of customers, looked better, felt better and was better in bodily appearance and mental condition than I ever was before; and what was far better, I was able to put by and hold on to a far greater portion of my earnings.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Having found a general line of books so profitable to handle, it might be supposed that I would have stuck to that, and not experimented with exclusive work in a single line.

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading ADDING TO BANK ACCOUNT—LOOKED BETTER, FELT BETTER AND WAS BETTER—SELLING ENCYCLOPEDIAS—COMPLETE CANVASS—TRICKY AND PERSISTENT—ADVERTISING SCHEMES—TRICKS OF THE PRESENT DAY—DISGUISES—HOW DIFFERENT BUSINESS MEN WERE WORKED—STRATEGY.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading While engaged in this work I made better money, came in contact with a better class of customers, looked better, felt better and was better in bodily appearance and mental condition than I ever was before; and what was far better, I was able to put by and hold on to a far greater portion of my earnings.

painstakingly careful and accurate

From this reading In soliciting for encyclopedias I used a horse and carriage, and made a thorough, systematic canvass of every town visited.

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading ADDING TO BANK ACCOUNT—LOOKED BETTER, FELT BETTER AND WAS BETTER—SELLING ENCYCLOPEDIAS—COMPLETE CANVASS—TRICKY AND PERSISTENT—ADVERTISING SCHEMES—TRICKS OF THE PRESENT DAY—DISGUISES—HOW DIFFERENT BUSINESS MEN WERE WORKED—STRATEGY.

an urban area with a fixed boundary that is smaller than a city

From this reading In soliciting for encyclopedias I used a horse and carriage, and made a thorough, systematic canvass of every town visited.

plural of “trick” — a cunning or deceitful action or device

From this reading ADDING TO BANK ACCOUNT—LOOKED BETTER, FELT BETTER AND WAS BETTER—SELLING ENCYCLOPEDIAS—COMPLETE CANVASS—TRICKY AND PERSISTENT—ADVERTISING SCHEMES—TRICKS OF THE PRESENT DAY—DISGUISES—HOW DIFFERENT BUSINESS MEN WERE WORKED—STRATEGY.

not to be trusted

From this reading ADDING TO BANK ACCOUNT—LOOKED BETTER, FELT BETTER AND WAS BETTER—SELLING ENCYCLOPEDIAS—COMPLETE CANVASS—TRICKY AND PERSISTENT—ADVERTISING SCHEMES—TRICKS OF THE PRESENT DAY—DISGUISES—HOW DIFFERENT BUSINESS MEN WERE WORKED—STRATEGY.

employed in accomplishing something

From this reading In soliciting for encyclopedias I used a horse and carriage, and made a thorough, systematic canvass of every town visited.

past form of “visit” — go to see a place, as for entertainment

From this reading In soliciting for encyclopedias I used a horse and carriage, and made a thorough, systematic canvass of every town visited.

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading ADDING TO BANK ACCOUNT—LOOKED BETTER, FELT BETTER AND WAS BETTER—SELLING ENCYCLOPEDIAS—COMPLETE CANVASS—TRICKY AND PERSISTENT—ADVERTISING SCHEMES—TRICKS OF THE PRESENT DAY—DISGUISES—HOW DIFFERENT BUSINESS MEN WERE WORKED—STRATEGY.

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading ADDING TO BANK ACCOUNT—LOOKED BETTER, FELT BETTER AND WAS BETTER—SELLING ENCYCLOPEDIAS—COMPLETE CANVASS—TRICKY AND PERSISTENT—ADVERTISING SCHEMES—TRICKS OF THE PRESENT DAY—DISGUISES—HOW DIFFERENT BUSINESS MEN WERE WORKED—STRATEGY.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading While engaged in this work I made better money, came in contact with a better class of customers, looked better, felt better and was better in bodily appearance and mental condition than I ever was before; and what was far better, I was able to put by and hold on to a far greater portion of my earnings.

during the time that

From this reading While engaged in this work I made better money, came in contact with a better class of customers, looked better, felt better and was better in bodily appearance and mental condition than I ever was before; and what was far better, I was able to put by and hold on to a far greater portion of my earnings.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Having found a general line of books so profitable to handle, it might be supposed that I would have stuck to that, and not experimented with exclusive work in a single line.

exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity

From this reading Having found a general line of books so profitable to handle, it might be supposed that I would have stuck to that, and not experimented with exclusive work in a single line.

past form of “work” — exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity

From this reading ADDING TO BANK ACCOUNT—LOOKED BETTER, FELT BETTER AND WAS BETTER—SELLING ENCYCLOPEDIAS—COMPLETE CANVASS—TRICKY AND PERSISTENT—ADVERTISING SCHEMES—TRICKS OF THE PRESENT DAY—DISGUISES—HOW DIFFERENT BUSINESS MEN WERE WORKED—STRATEGY.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading Having found a general line of books so profitable to handle, it might be supposed that I would have stuck to that, and not experimented with exclusive work in a single line.