THE SLIP-SYSTEM. 45 



the N. vagus arises, than is the heart ; topographically, therefore, the termination of the 

 nerve is nearer the brain than part of its trunk ; yet the termination would be described 

 as the peripheral portion. 



On the artery shown in Fig. 7, ventrad of the bones of the left arm, K 

 is peripheral of I, and L of K. If the arm should be so flexed as to bring 

 the artery into the position of the dotted lines, L' would be topographically 

 nearer the heart than K, but would nevertheless be a peripheral point on the 

 vessel. 



A somewhat similar case is offered by the abdominal portion of the ali- 

 mentary canal as shown on Fig. 6. In the strict topographical sense, the 

 ccecum and contiguous portion of the small intestine lie caudad of the colon. 

 In some cases, a description would refer to this fact, but it would be never- 

 theless understood that, physiologically and in respect to the course of the 

 contents of the canal, the crecum is intermediate between the small intes- 

 tine and the colon, and is therefore caudad of the one and cephalad of the 

 other. The relation in the one case is merely of contiguity ; in the other, 

 of structural and functional continuity. 



V. THE SLIP-SYSTEM OF NOTES. 



92. The following suggestions as to " notes " are here introduced not because, like 

 the foregoing matters, they render what follows more intelligible or available, but 

 because, taking for granted that none will have got so far in the volume without the 

 intention to do some serious scientific or literary work, we desire to put them in possession 

 of a method which has proved most useful to us, and which we shall be glad to have 

 adopted by our readers even if their only employment of it is in recording criticisms of our 

 statements and ideas. 



93. The essential feature of a "slip-system" is the use of separate 

 slips of uniform and convenient size. 



Accessory features concern the precise size and form of the slips, the way 

 of writing upon them, and the manner of their filing and distribution for 

 reference. 



94. After constant use of the slips for fifteen and seven years respec- 

 tively, we make the following specific recommendations : 



95. The Slips. Excluding those used in the Catalogues of Libraries 

 and Museums (which will be referred to farther on) the note-slips should 

 be of unruled paper; white, blue, light brown or yellow in color ; slightly 

 sized, so as to take either the pencil or the pen ; moderately stiff, but not 

 thick ; and of the size of the U. S. Postal Card, at present 13 x 7.7 cm. 



96. Making Notes. Some of these slips should be carried in the 

 pocket at all times, preferably in the pocket-book, which is usually large 

 enough for folded letters. 



