Albert, Porta, Marafioti, and others, appeared about the close of the sixteenth century, but they contained nothing very materially new on the mnemonic art.
The seventeenth century was remarkable for the number and variety of mnemonistic works which issued from the presses of the continent. England also had her share in this honour, and produced one or two books worthy of examination. The system of Schenckel occupied the greatest share of attention in France and Germany. Schenckel was followed by Alsted, Brux, Ravellin, and Naulius. Brux also wrote an essay upon the 'art of forgetfulness', and gave numerous rules for acquiring perfection in this useful science.
The principal work published in England, on the subject of the local memory, appeared in 1618, under the title of Mnemonica; sive ars Reminiscendi, etc. by John Willis; and was translated in 1661, by one Sowersby, a bookseller. This curious and rare volume is replete with information respecting mnemonics, and discourses at large concerning every particular which requires the attention of the student.
In the year 1651, Henry Herdson, who styles himself a Professor by Public Authority in the University of Cambridge, published his Ars Mnemonica, sive Herdsonus Bruxiatus, etc. in
