This is the peculiar quality of the mind, by means of which two or
more ideas or memories are coupled together. Association is thought
to take place largely in the higher centers in the brain--the frontal
lobes. Nearly all our higher education consists in association, and our
mental lives are largely dependent upon it. Genius is said to consist,
largely, in making associations, and seeing resemblances, which other
people do not. Upon association memory largely depends.
Association is a very complicated process, which depends largely upon
the brain. Various anatomical schemes have been devised to explain and
illustrate association,--which may be found in text books upon the
subject. Association may be partial or complete. Similarity is one
of its distinguishing characteristics (and causes). Usually, objects
which appeal to the same sense are associated one with another; but
sometimes quite different sense-impressions are associated, in a very
odd manner. The subject may, e. g., associate a sense of smell with
a visual impression; or a sense of taste with a definite sound, etc.
These are the so-called “synæsthesias.” Thus: “_salt_, for instance, is
described by one observer as dull red, _bitter_ as brownish, _sweet_
as clear bright red, and _sour_ as green or greenish-blue. To another
observer the taste of meat seems red or brown, the taste of graham
bread is rich red in color, while all ice-creams, (except chocolate and
coffee) taste blue. To still another reporter, the sound of the word
‘intelligence’ tastes like fresh sliced tomatoes, while the sound of
the word ‘interest’ tastes like stewed tomatoes....”
These are unusual associations, however, which depend either upon
some odd nervous connections between the various sense-centers in the
brain, or upon some purely psychical associations. Most of our normal
associations deal either with objects or with memories.