sleep again. But the real kindred wake up more and more. They come
forward to inspect the new-comer and to examine his credentials. Soon
he finds that he is surrounded by inquisitive friends and relatives.
They threaten even to take possession of him. Up to this point the new
idea has taken the lead, he has been the aggressor. But now is the
time for the awakened kindred ideas to assume control and lead the
stranger captive, to bring him in among themselves and give him his
appropriate place and importance. The _old body of ideas_, when once
set in motion, is more powerful than any single-handed stranger who
happens to fall into their company. The outcome is that the stranger,
who at first seemed to be producing such a sensation, now discovers
that strong arms are about him and he is carried captive by vigorous
friends. New ideas when first entering the mind are very strong, and,
if they come through the senses, are especially rich in the color and
vigor of real life. They therefore absorb the attention at first and
seem to monopolize the mental energies; but the older thought masses,
when fully aroused, are better organized, more firmly rooted in habit,
and possess much wider connections. They are almost certain,
therefore, to apperceive the new idea; that is, to conquer and subdue
it, to make it tributary to their power.

Let us examine more closely the _effect_ of the process of apperception
upon the new and old ideas that are brought in contact. First, observe
the effect upon the _new_: Many an idea which is not strong enough in
itself to make a lasting impression, upon the mind would quickly fade
out and be forgotten were it not that in this process the old ideas
throw it into a clear light, give it more meaning, associate it closely
with themselves, and thus save it. Two persons look at the sword of
Washington; one examines it with deep interest, the other scarcely
gives it a second glance. The one remembers it for life, the other
forgets it in an hour. The sense perception was the same in both
persons at first, but the reception given to the idea by one converts
it into a lasting treasure. A little lamp-black, rolled up between
finger and thumb, suggested to Edison his carbon points for the
electric light. A piece of lamp-black would produce no such effect in
most peoples minds. The difference is in the reception accorded to an
idea. The meaning and importance of an idea or event depend upon the