In regard to the first blank, "expansive" (extensive in size or topic) and "comprehensive" (complete) are very similar words. However, the sentence notes that the collection "covers thousands of years of art history," which speaks of breadth, not complete depth. Thus, "expansive" is a more exact term and the correct answer.

In regard to the second blank, the second clause of the sentence speaks of it taking a long time to do something to the collection. "Capitalize" (exploit) does not work well by its definition, while "scrutinize" (examine carefully) would, indeed, be something that would take several days to do in a large collection. Thus, the correct answer is "expansive . . . scrutinize."

The easier blank to choose is the second one, for it indicates a kind of intensification from the adjectival phrase "attentive to details." The best option here is "fastidious," which means very attentive to details—an appropriate option! When a professor is so attentive to detail, it is likely that he will be called a "pedant," which describes just such an academic person.

This sentence clearly makes a parallel between "succinct" and the second blank. The idea is that Frederick's statements appear to be short. That is, they appear to be rather brief. Hence, they have the appearance of "brevity"—meaning briefness. The word "pithy" can describe a dense part of fruit (the "pith"), but it can also mean short and expressive, describing language that pierces to its meaning directly. This seems to be an excellent description for Frederick's remarks—at least for how they appear.

In the second clause of this sentence, it is hinted that Harvey has a bold position (i.e. bold and/or strong beliefs). It seems that he needs to change this fact, though we are not told that he should completely deny his beliefs. The word “alter” might work well for the first blank, but “attenuate” is an even better option, for it means to reduce in force—something that describes just what Harvey needs to do to his bold theories.

We tend to think of dogmas and being “dogmatic” in terms of religious beliefs. In general, the term “dogmatic” describes a set of beliefs that are established on the strength of an authority. This describes the obedience paid to Aristotle described in the first half of this sentence. The critics, however, also did not alter their own positions much. Hence, “beliefs” is a good option for the second blank.

We are not told much about John’s actions toward his students, other than the fact that he is staring at them. The implication is that he is staring very strongly at them—he is “not merely [staring].” The word “glower” means to scowl—a very strong sort of look.  When someone "prattles," he or she talks at length foolishly or about things that are not important. This functions well for describing the students' actions, which so vexed John.

The main clue in this sentence is the expression, "which could almost cause deafness." This implies that Byron's speaking style was very loud. It is most likely that it had this effect on those who were sitting at the locations closest to him. The "proximity" is the close space around someone. Words related to "proximity" are "approximate" and "proxy." "Stentorian" describes a style of speaking that is very loud. This best fits the clues mentioned above.

The first blank needs an intensified form of "kindness," but in a particular sense. It is not mere "doting" kindness offered to the older man; instead, Peter listens carefully to the old man's words, implying that he regards them highly. This means that he holds them in "high esteem." (Hence, we find the second blank first.) This helps us to ascertain the first blank. To be "deferential" is to be respectful or, more literally, to show deference, meaning to show humble respect. This works well to express Peter's disposition with adequate strength and clarity.

This sentence establishes a clear case of increased intensity. The first blank is much more intense than the second (given the use of the word "absolute"). The only option that expresses this increase in intensity is "frigidity . . . unpleasantness." "Frigidity" can mean "coldness" in an emotional manner, as in someone who is cold and unkind, basically unwilling to communicate.

This sentence states that the ring is a "finely crafted item"; therefore, it is no mere trinket or piece of junk. A "bauble" is a showy but worthless item. This offers a good contrast to the finely crafted item that it actually is. The quality of such a finely crafted ring would be of highest quality—or "superior," which can express such quality in general.