book-cortex translation and transfer, and let the cortical neurones rustle unafraid.
For our present purpose we may make two classes of books: textbooks and books which are usable in this way, and others.
Textbooks are for direct, detailed study; that is their purpose. A good textbook contains the important facts and principles and the greater part of the essential information of the subject on which it treats. A textbook, as compared with other books, is very concentrated mind food, while the other books are usually not concentrated.
Real familiarity with full and authoritative textbooks is the backbone of educational information and understanding. Textbooks are our "old reliable" means of learning. This can be scarcely too much emphasized in these days of many social lectures and of other fashionable modes of pretended learning. The intensive use of books is based upon the substantial, old-fashioned recitation, and as we shall see a student can be very successful in reciting to himself. Relatively few students adequately realize the importance in the learning-mill of competent textbooks properly used.
