Laudator Temporis Acti

John Edwin Sandys, The Bacchae of Euripides with Critical and Explanatory Notes (Cambridge: At the University Press, 1880), p. iv:

Further, I have, as far as possible, gone on the principle of quoting parallel passages in full, instead of contenting myself with a bare reference, considering the former course not only more convenient to the reader, but also fairer in every way, as by this means any argument that rests upon a quotation can at once have its due weight assigned to it,—neither less nor more. Those who have ever had to spend much time in looking up references will, I think, agree with me in holding that few things are more vexatious than to find a particular opinion on a doubtful point supported by an array of references which may or may not be relevant, but all of which have to be tested in detail before any further advance can be made. As a matter of fact, few people take the trouble; and those who do, find themselves often discouraged by their experience from continuing to make the attempt.