[Thomas Edwards to Samuel Richardson, 18 July 1754:] 'I did say, and I really do think, that it is a pity so many fine performances, as you and I have seen written by ladies, should be lost to the world; that the public should be robbed of the pleasure and instruction, and they themselves of the honour of them [...] The prejudices against a learned wife (such I mean as are free from pedantry, and neglect not their proper duty to acuire their learning) are absurd, irrational, and often flow from envy, but they are strong, inveterate, and too general. Who then is she who dares step forth to vindicate her sex, and assert their claim to genius, at the hazard of forfeiting all her own hopes of a settlement in the world, and friendship with the rest of her sex? [reflects further on women's education and intellectual endeavour]'