Spectator 1785

[kayakamina]

40a First State islet wearing away (5) ???a?

22a Knot-cutting knife Simon develops and makes universal (8) om?i????

[sarumite]

22a I think this must be omnifies, i.e. Universal and inc simon plus part of kn (ife)

[kayakamina]

Looks good thank you sarumite.

[sarumite]

It's a pleasure, and small return in relation to the numerous times you have assisted me!

[kayakamina]

Thanks I've got it Decay....De (delaware)+Cay (islet)

[sarumite]

I have a suggestion as follows for 22a which may be a little too imaginative, but I have tried i.e. "Decay".

Decay = wear away

De (laware) is the first state
Cay (man) Isles ... part of = islet??

[kayakamina]

Thanks again sarumite. K

[sarumite]

............... Just wish that I had been able to clearly sort out explanation and type it up more quickly to provide answer before your posting!