ago" > Lhe Scrence of Mnemonics. 
tion of this dissimilarity of habits, I may add that some of 
the species live habitually in society with ants of a very 
different genus and division of the tribe; others in close 
contiguity to such as are equally distinct; whilst others, 
again, live totally apart, and away, and by themselves. 
— Science Gossip. 
THE SCIENCE OF MNEMONICS. 
BY WILLIAM STOKES. 
Teacher of Memory, Royal Polytechnic Institution. 
(Concluded from page 224.) 
T is not always necessary to study the Science of Mne- 
monics in order to become practically acquainted with 
Mnemonical principles. The practice of Mnemonics in one 
form or another, is as indispensable to man as the beating 
of the heart, and it may take place as unconsciously. When 
Kohl had committed his atrocious murder in Plaistow 
Marshes, why did tens of thousands of “roughs” flock to 
the spot ? And why did everybody take away a rush? 
Was it because each rollicking or morbid-minded pedestrian 
had studied the theory of local and objective suggestion, 
and theassociationofideas ? No—themultitudes were drawn 
to the spot by an unrestrained instinct, and they broke off 
the rushes and took them away without attempting to assign 
a reason, yet knowing the reason practically as well as the 
profoundest philosopher. The gratification of this instinct 
is not always confined to such a simple act as the gathering 
of rushes. I happen to be writing this article in Glasgow, 
and my temporary abode isimmediately opposite the house 
which was the residence of Dr. Pritchard. As I write, I 
can look upon the ¢trausmogrified habitation. Why was it 
altered in its appearance? Simply, because the powerful 
operation of the great law of association was so generally 
and so unpleasantly manifested, that an ob/zteration as far 
as possible of that which was suggestive to the masses be- 
came absolutely necessary. In casual conversation, I have 
been informed repeatedly by many eye-witnesses that the 
flight of stone steps belonging to the house was, to a great. 
extent, chipped and chiselled away by the mob, so strong 
