| E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898. |
| | | 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. | 1 |
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| “And Katerfelto with his hair on end, |
| At his own wonders wondering for his bread.” | |
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Cowper: The Task; The Winter Evening (1782). |
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