MENTAL PREPARA TION. 193 



individuality, locality and size of every distinct 

 part ; also the form, color, order of arrangement, 

 number and variety, so that a perfect image is 

 made upon the mind. If the perception is by 

 any of the other senses the same rule applies. 

 (2) Habitually train the mind to notice sharply 

 every message brought in by the senses. (3) 

 Frequently affirm to self, "I will be, I am keen, 

 sharp, quick and accurate in perception." "I 

 will see whatever is worth seeing." "I will hear 

 and distinguish every word and tone." "I will 

 notice every message that comes from my senses 

 and have a definite concept of everything." 



I have observed a number of children who in 

 early life showed a very marked deficiency in Bom Dullards, 

 perceptive power. Many of these little folks had 

 good minds in other ways, but seemed incap- 

 able of objective learning. That is, they were 

 thoughtful, would talk intelligently and ask ques- 

 tions that no one could answer ; but when it came 

 to learning a thing from a book they were dul- 

 lards. A boy of this type will often lose his 

 hat or one of his playthings and call for his 

 mother to help him find it, when it is right 

 before his eyes. Teachers complain of such 

 children because they do not learn as other child- 

 ren and will not give attention. 



The frequency of such cases led me some years 

 ago to look for causes, with the result that I 

 have talked with a number of mothers who had 

 such children. In several instances I learned 

 that the mother had spent much of her period 

 in meditating or reflecting, instead of in read- 

 ing or observing with the result that her child 



