produced by an excessive attention to examinations. But we are not to be misled by Dickens' contempt into thinking that examinations are necessarily bad. It is, no doubt, wrong to adopt the view that the mind is a mere storehouse and that knowledge is to be regarded as nothing more than the stock of a retail or even a wholesale shopkeeper. But it is quite a sensible thing to take stock now and then of our mental content, not only to see that there is nothing missing, but to make sure that what is present is arranged in the most satisfactory way. We have seen that the best way to remember things is to keep turning them over in our mind, and reviewing them in their proper relations to each other. This is obviously a form of examination conducted by ourselves. It is really a part of our education, and a very important part.
The same sort of work can be done for us in our regular studies by more or less formal examinations conducted by others. We are too apt to regard examinations merely as tests. No doubt this is often the function that is emphasized by all concerned with them. But we are not to forget that they have also an educational function. They form an essential part of our education, and if properly used are very helpful in our studies. If you have ever gone in for a serious examination involving a considerable amount of preparation, you have, no doubt, had an experience something like this. Just about three weeks before the examination is due, you have had
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