ave modified my plan, and made it
infinitely easier, and far more valuable, as will be apparent to all,
by the application of the principles laid down in this book. For
while, according to the original views, Memory depended on Will and
Perseverance, there was no method indicated by any writer how these
were to be created, nor was energetic Forethought considered as
amounting to more than mere Intention.

Now I would say that having the task selected, first give energetic
forethought, or a considerate determination to master this should
precede all attempts to learn, by everybody, young or old. And when
the lesson is mastered, let it be repeated with earnestness and
serious attention before going to sleep, with the _Will_ that it shall
be remembered on the morrow. And it will be found that this process
not only secures the memory desired, but also greatly facilitates the
whole course and process.

It is to be noted that by this, or any process, we do not remember
everything, but only what is first considered and measured by
Forethought. Also that by it the Memory is never overcharged at the
expense of Intellect, for the exertion of will in any way strengthens
the mind. To explain the immense power which this all implies, I
observe:

That previous to the invention of printing, it was usual for students
to get their text-books by heart. Thus in India, according to MAX
MULLER, the entire text and glosses of PANINI'S Sanskrit grammar were
handed down orally for 350 years before being committed to writing.
This work is about equal in size to the Bible.

There are Indian priests now living who can repeat accurately the
whole poems of the _Mahabarata_ of 300,000 _slokas_ or lines.

That these incredible feats were the result of a system of memorizing
similar to what I have explained.

That the _Guzlas_ or Slavonian minstrels of the present day have by
heart with remarkable accuracy immensely long epic poems. I have found
the same among Algonkin Indians, whose sagas or mythic legends are
interminable, and yet are committed word by word accurately.

I have heard in England of a lady ninety years of age whose memory was
miraculous, and of which extraordinary instances are narrated by her
friends. She attributed it to the fact that when young she had been
made to learn a verse from the Bible every day, and then constantly
review it. As her memory improved, she learned more, the result being
that in the end she could repea