Samuel Johnson (of the dictionary fame) published a series of periodical essays entitled "The Rambler (1750-1752)" and contributed essays to two other series: The Adventurer (1742-1754) and The Idler (1758-1760).

The Rambler appeared twice weekly, published on Tuesdays and Saturdays, and the essays were Johnson's observations and commentary on human nature.

The Rambler essays were collected and published in a 4-volume set after they were completed, and editions of The Rambler continue to appear into the early years of the 19th century.

I found one book of discussion for The Rambler:
Steven Lynn, "Samuel Johnson after Deconstruction: Rhetoric and the Rambler" (Carbondale: Southern Illinois Univ. Press, 1992)

Louisa