How could his brain ever master it all?
Later, he remembered that there were other men, many men, who had mastered it; and he breathed a great oath, passionately, under his breath, swearing that his brain could do what theirs had done.
And so he wandered on, alternating between depression and elation as he stared at the shelves packed with wisdom.

In one miscellaneous section he came upon a "Norrie's Epitome." He turned the pages reverently.

In a way, it spoke a kindred speech.

Both he and it were of the sea.

Then he found a "Bowditch" and books by Lecky and Marshall.