Elements of the philosophy of the human mind. By Dugald Stewart. Rev. and abridged, with critical and explanatory notes, for the use of colleges and schools. By Francis Bowen ...

29,0 AFEBIO r,
ation, suggests a practical lesson which cannot be too steadily
kept in view by all who devote themselves to the study of literature and of the sciences. In point of value, it seems *to me to
rise considerably above tile ordinary level of this author's philosophy.
"Some persons seem to think that a good Memory consists
in retaining dates and minute particulars, but I believe, that,
though a reader remember but few dates and few minute particulars, he may yet retain all the necessary general ideas and
valuable conclusions. lie will see a wide and beautifiul arrangement of important objects, while another, who stoops to pick up
and preserve every trifle, will have his eyes fixed on the ground.
It is not enough that the mind can reproduce just what it has
received fiom reading, and no more; it must reproduce it
dicested, altered, improved, and rejfined. Reading, like food,
must show its e-ffects in promoting growth; according to a
striking' remark of Epictetus, the application of which is sufficiently obvious without any comment; I Sheep do not show
the shepherd how much they have eaten by producing thme grass'
itself; but by producing outwardly wool and milk after their
pasture is inwardly digested.'"
I1l. Of the inmprovemnent of Afemory. - Analysis of the principles on which the culture of lfenmory depends. - The improvement of which the mind is susceptible by culture, is more
remarkable, perhaps, in the case of MAlemory, than in that of
any other of our faculties. The fact has been often taken notice
of in general terms; but I am doubtful if the particular mode
in which culture operates on this part of our constitution, has
been yet examined by philosophers with the attention which it
deserves.
Of one sort of culture, indeed, of which Memory is susceptible in a very striking degree, no explanation can be given; I
mean the improvement which the original faculty acquires by
mere exercise; or, in other words, the tendency which practice
has to increase our natural facility of association. This effect
of practice upon the Memory, seems to be an ultimate law of
our nature; or rather, to be a particular instance of that general