There are therefore two ways of helping the memory. (1) By a device
resorted to in each separate case to help make a more vivid First
Impression. Nearly all Memory Systems hitherto taught have only been
such Devices; of little benefit except in the cases where they have been
_actually applied_--mere temporary appliances, and many of them of
doubtful value, devoid of any strengthening power. (2) By a Method of
Memory TRAINING. This is the unique character of my System. It is used
as a device during the process of developing the latent powers of the
Memory and the Attention, but the _result of its use_ is to so
strengthen the Memory that, as a Device it is no longer required. As a
trainer my System operates in three ways. (1) It increases the general
_Impressionability_, so that all First Impressions must be more vivid
than they have ever been before. (2) It increases the general
_Revivability_, so that First Impressions are more under the control of
the will, and can be afterward recalled when desired. (3) It compels the
Intellect to stay with the senses and thereby it abolishes
mind-wandering.
1. Did he have a _record_ of the name in his mind?
2. How many ways are there of helping the memory?
3. What is the first way?
4. The second?
5. What is meant by Memory Training?
6. What is the unique character of my system?
7. What is the result of its use?
8. In how many ways does my system operate as a Trainer?
9. What are they?
A one-sided view of the Memory proclaims that if vivid First Impressions
are made in all cases, that is enough. This opinion implies a limited
acquaintance with the different kind of memories. In some cases where a
person is troubled with chronic forgetfulness, a vivid First Impression
may be received, and no recollection of it will long survive. That a
vivid impression was received is proved by the fact that, shortly after
the occurrence, his memory of the details of it is possibly nearly
perfect, and yet, after the lapse of a few days, or weeks, or months,
the recollection of every trace of the occurrence has vanished. After
the total oblivion of the matter in his waking moments, he will
sometimes recall all the details of the affair in a dream. This is
demonstration irresistible that the trouble in this case lies, not in
receiving vivid First Impressions, but in the weakness of his reviving
power. In fact, some memories are much oftener weak from deficiency in
reviving power than from feebleness of first impressions. If, however,
Impressionability be increased to the highest degree in all cases, and
Revivability be strengthened to the same extent, all memories will be
good, however bad some of them may theretofore have been in any or in
all respects.