The Science of Mnemonics. 221 
mnemonical achievements of the ancients. As though they 
either possessed ability which was peculiarly their own, or as 
though they had means of aid at their command of which 
Modern Mnemonists were destitute. We have no just 
reason, however, to presume either the one or the other. 
One thing must be evident, that it is wiser by far to avail 
ourselves of the known aids within our reach, than to 
vainly speculate upon, and to lament the loss of, appliances 
which probably never existed. 
It may be asked are there any “ known aids” to memory? 
is there any “Science of Mnemonics?” If things are to be 
regarded as “known,” only when they are in ordinary use 
with “the million,” and if a science is only to be regarded 
as “a science” when it is popularly recognised ? we may 
reply that there are no “known aids,” and that there is no 
“Science of Mnemonics.” But a fact, though little known, 
is nevertheless a fact, and a “science,” which is a combina- 
tion of facts, although it may not be recognised, is none 
the less a science! As far as evidence is concerned, Mne- 
monics is a fully established science, but in the matter of 
popularity it is a science which has to be established. The 
recognition, or non-recognition of truth, will neither 
enhance nor lessen its value in the estimation of those who 
love truth simply for its own sake; but it would not be 
difficult to find some who think truth must be error unless 
it is popular. To such, the large share of attention at pre- 
sent being bestowed upon Mnemonics, may render the 
subject somewhat attractive, or at least endurable. It is 
much to be regretted, that the popularity of Mnemonics 
has not been equal to its simplicity and utility. 
Who can justly estimate the value of a good memory? 
Who can trace the ultimate results of one instance of for- 
getfulness? As surely as the muscles of the human body 
can be strengthened by gymnastics, so surely can the 
memory be strengthened by Mnemonics. As surely as we 
may obtain a cork leg or an artificial arm, so surely may 
we, in case of impairment or loss, obtain an artificial 
memory, and, with a much closer resemblance to Nature’s 
_endowment, than in the case of the artificial limb. 
As a good system of gymnastics develops a// the mem- 
bers of the body, so a good system of Mnemonics develops 
all the powers of the mind. 
Mnemonics is based upon association, and (if a little 
_self-quotation may be pardoned), to speak in proper phraseo- 
logy, there are four kinds of memory—tongue, ear, eye, and 
