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sing them in the manner detailed in the work, we gain the assistance of one of the essentials to recollection---Attention; Whilst our eyes become fixed to a particular spot, the faculties of the mind accompanying them, become concentrated to a focus, which materially assists our memory. Without attention, we can never recollect; the means therefore, that conduce to it, must be desirable.
Great as the advantages are that may be derived from this system, let not the student deceive himself by expectations, which cannot be realised. He must frequently repeat his subjects to fix them in his memory; but the advantages he derives are, that he can retain them more permanently, as well as acquire them more quickly, than by the general mode we adopt; and also have his subjects more disposable.
Stewart further observes in one of his admirable essays: "that the qualities of a good memory are---to be susceptible; to be retentive; to be ready."——Much as we require from nature to produce this happy union, we may derive considerable assistance from system to effect it. Susceptibility and retention, are aided by the frequent exercise of the proper faculties necessary to them. We cannot succeed in being ready, unless we have properly arranged the subjects of our study.——These, the system of mnemonics is calculated to produce.
Erroneous opinions are formed of the application of this art; it is generally called the system of Artificial memory, which implies an opposition to Natural memory, but a very little consideration, must point out the impropriety of the term; it would be perhaps better expressed, by saying Artificial helps to the Natural memory, for nothing can be impressed on the mind, without the exercise of memory, which this system so far from dispensing with, calls into most active use; and only requires the assistance of those principles, that have their foundation in nature.
If we wished to recollect the period when the laws of Draco were promulged, and said that their Venom defeated their object, as a people could not long endure them. That Moses must have TripIt quickly across the Red Sea to escape the hosts of Pharaoh.
