Systematic Memory/Preface

This little book is laid before the public, not because there is a lack of works on the subject, but because, with one or two exceptions, these works are to the student, for all practical purposes, valueless.

Every professor of this Art of Memory has issued a treatise of his own, possessing more or less merit; but these professors are generally short-sighted enough to imagine that, if they divulge their system to the world, their emolument is for ever at an end. The consequence is, that, as far as their treatises are concerned, the world is still comparatively in the dark with respect to the immense advantages to be derived from a knowledge of this wonderful science. The following pages will, it is hoped, in a measure supply the want above referred to.

The system employed is based upon sound philosophical principles. It is very easily acquired, can be retained without difficulty, and is most effective in its application.

​Duly acknowledging that some assistance has been obtained from existing treatises on the subject, the author still holds that his system possesses an originality, simplicity, and completeness, not to be found in any other. He has tested it in public and in private; in schools and in colleges; and he is satisfied, in common with hundreds of his pupils, that it is superior to every other system. By its means the weakest memory is enabled to accomplish what would be quite beyond the power of the strongest memory, unassisted.

The system here submitted is so simple, that the youthful schoolboy can acquire it as readily as the accomplished scholar. The language employed throughout is such as can easily be understood by every one, irrespective of age or acquirements. The author begs his learned readers not to be offended at the explanation of some matters familiar to their minds.

The examples given at the end of this work, or purposes for which Systematic Memory may be employed, must be understood to be simply suggestive of the modes in which "things to be remembered" can be committed to the memory. They are a few samples of vast numbers of uses to which this art can be applied.

The advantages which a knowledge of this art affords are great, even when acquired in mature life; but where it is acquired early in life, it is ​evident that the uses and advantages resulting from its possession are incalculable. Parents will do well to encourage their children to learn the art, as one of the choicest and most valuable which can be attained. The present manual will, it is hoped, not be without its influence in popularizing a really valuable means of acquiring and retaining knowledge.

We must not forget to allude to the great advantages which our system offers to students who are about to go up for examination.

London, December, 1865.