It seems clear to me that the author was experiencing an unmedicated psychotic disorder and gallantly owning the preposterous outlook he had at the time. So, not bragging, just plainly stating the sort of bigger than life delusions that come with the territory.
I for one enjoyed the article and found it coherent from top to bottom. The author is a historian, which means they are likely serious about justifying their claims. That might explain the thorough sourcing you're lamenting.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diatom