Isaac's Storm

Most other nights, Isaac slept soundly. He was a creature of the last turning of the centuries when sleep seemed to come more easily. Things were clear to him. He was loyal, a believer in dignity, honor, and effort. He taught Sunday school. He paid cash, a fact noted in a directory published by the Giles Mercantile Agency and meant to be held in strictest confidence. (Location 77)

Note: Just elegant

and rated them for credit-worthiness, basing this appraisal on secret reports filed anonymously by friends and enemies. (Location 81)

In this new age, nature itself seemed no great obstacle. (Location 107)

Note: Nice foreshadowing

He no longer saw patients, but had become a pioneer in medical climatology, the study of how weather affects people, and in this carried forth a tradition laid down by Hippocrates, who believed climate determined the character of men and nations. (Location 125)

“Then I studied Blackstone for a while and soon learned that I was not adept enough at prevarication to make a successful lawyer. I then made up my mind that I would seek some field where I could tell big stories and tell the truth.” He chose the weather. (Location 413)

“You will cheerfully obey all orders without question and refrain from saying anything either commendatory or condemnatory.” (Location 475)

One example: “Paul diction sunk Johnson imbue hersal.” Decoded, it meant: “St. Paul, 29.26 inches barometric pressure, –4 degrees temperature, wind six miles per hour, maximum temperature 10 degrees, dewpoint –18 degrees. This observation was at 8:00 P.M. and the local prediction called for fair weather.” (Location 489)