This lesson in figures is given for the benefit of those who have not
yet mastered Numeric Thinking. The pupil will appreciate its practical
value the moment he masters the key to it.
This is given in the next few pages, and it will be found to be easy of
comprehension and interesting to a surprising degree.
The whole thing is in a nutshell. Numbers, as such, are abstractions and
hard to be remembered. To make them hard to forget, we translate them
into words or phrases. These are easily remembered and they always
instantly give back the figures they stand for.
We represent the figures 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 0, by certain
consonants; and then, as the vowels [a, e, i, o, u, and y, together
with w] have no numerical value assigned to them, we turn dates or any
numbers into translating words, which will always tell us precisely
the figures the words stand for.
As this simple process enables us to remember any dates or numbers with
absolute certainty, the pupil will be pleased to know that he can
learn how it is done by only one thoughtful perusal.
The questions at the bottom of each page constitute an invaluable aid to
test the accuracy of his knowledge and the correctness of his
inferences.
- Is it possible to exaggerate the importance of this lesson?
- When will the pupil appreciate its practical value?
- Where is this key given?
- Are numbers hard to remember?
- How do we make them hard to forget?
- By what are the figures represented?
- What letters have no numerical value assigned to them?
- What do the questions at the bottom of each page constitute?
The nought and the nine digits are represented by the following
consonants when they are sounded or pronounced; viz., 0 (nought)
by s, z, or csoft as in cease, 1 by t, th, or d, 2 by n, 3 by m, 4 by
r, 5 by l, 6 by sh, j, ch, or gsoft as in the first g of George, 7
ghard as in Gorge, k, chard as in cane, q, or ng, 8 by f or v,
and 9 by b or p.
Ample practice in translating the sounded consonants of words into
figures, or of figures into the sounded consonants of words will now be
given. If the reader can remember the foregoing consonant equivalents
of figures in connection with the tabulated Figure Alphabet on the 74th
page of this lesson, he can at once pass on through the book. If not, he
must carefully study the intervening pages with painstaking—for when
once learned, no further difficulty can arise.
The tabulated Figure Alphabet on the 74th page of this lesson expresses
the consonant values of the nought and nine digits in perpendicular
columns, as under nought (0) are placed s, z, and csoft; under
nine are placed b and p; under six are placed sh, j, ch, and
gsoft, &c. Only those who possess first-rate natural memories can
learn the equivalents of the sounded consonants in figures from this
table. But when learned in this way, the pupil requires much practice in
translating words into figures and figures into words. Even this
exceptional pupil had better carefully study the ensuing examples.
The first thing to be done is to learn which consonants are used to
stand for and represent the nought (0) and 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9.
Let the student remember that we use vowels to make words with, but we
do not give the vowels [a, e, i, o, u], or w, or y, any number value
whatever.
We represent the nought or cypher [0] by the consonants s, z, or
csoft [as in cease].
The figure value of “sew,” therefore equals or is represented by a
cipher [0]. S = 0, and the vowel “e” and the consonant “w” have no figure
value. Cannot the student understand at once that Say = 0, See = 0,
Ease = 0, Is = 0, and Zoe = 0, and Seize = 00, Size = 00,
Sauce = 00?
The following is another way of fixing in mind this first rule.
If the capital letter S were cut into two parts, and the bottom half
attached to the top half, it would make a nought (0). So it is easy to
remember that S represents 0. Csoft as in cease has the same sound
as S, and should therefore stand for the same figure, viz., 0; and Z
is a cognate of S—that is, it is made by the same organs of speech in
the same position as when making S, only it is an undertone, and S is a
whispered letter. Besides Z should represent 0 because it begins the
word Zero—Csoft should also stand for 0 for the additional reason
that Csoft begins the word cipher. In translating a word into
figures we always turn S, Z, or Csoft into nought (0); in turning
figures into words we always translate a nought (0) into S, Z, or
Csoft.
- What is the first thing to be done?
- What must the student remember in connection with vowels?
- By what do we represent the cipher?
- What other way is given for fixing the first rule in the mind?
- What is meant by a “cognate”?
- What kind of a letter is S?
1 is represented by the consonant “t,” “th,” or “d.”
Toy = 1. As “t” stands for 1, and o and y are vowels, and have no
figure value, the numerical value of Toy must be 1.
Thee = 1, Thou = 1, Day = 1, Dew = 1, This = 10,
Thus = 10, Does = 10, Ties = 10, Toes = 10,
Deed = 11, Doth = 11, To-day = 11, Tattoo Footnote [B] = 11,
Tut = 11, Toad = 11, Tied = 11, Sat = 01, Said = 01,
Seat= 01, Days = 10, Toys = 10, These = 10,
Those = 10.
“t” stands for 1, because it is made with one downward stroke. “h” has
no figure value except when it is united with “s” or “c” in sh or ch,
and therefore “th” must represent 1, and d, being the cognate of “t,”
it is represented by 1. Hence we translate “t,” “th,” and “d” by the
figure 1, and when we want to represent 1, by letters, we translate it
into t, th, or d.
2 is represented by “n,” because it is made by two downward strokes.
No = 2, Any = 2, One = 2, Noise = 20, Nice = 20,
Nest = 201, Note = 21, Then = 12, Nun = 22,
Nan = 22, Son = 02, Sine = 02, Zone = 02, Nine = 22,
Zeno = 02, Sown = 02.
3 is represented by “m,” because the written m is made by three
downward strokes. Aim = 3, Sum = 03, Mum = 33, Maim = 33,
Money = 32, Moth = 31, Moon = 32, Man = 32,
Month = 321, Amends = 3210, Thin = 12, Enemies = 230,
Home = 3.
4 is represented by “r,” because it terminates the word four in
several languages. Air = 4. A and i are vowels, and count for no
figure value in Air, and hence that word represents only the figure 4.
Wire = 4, Row = 4, Wort = 41, Wrath = 41, Worth = 41,
Ride = 41, Heirs = 40, Ruins = 420, Roast = 401,
Rum = 43, Roar = 44, Saucer = 004,
Swordsman = 041032, Razors = 4040, Arisen = 402,
Hermits = 4310.
- In translating a word into figures, what do we always do?
- By what letters is the figure 1 represented?
- Why does “t” stand for 1?
- When does the letter “h” have a figure value?
- By what is 2 represented?
- Why?
- How do we represent 3?
- Why?
- By what consonant is 4 represented?
- Why?
5 is represented by “l,” because in the Roman alphabet L stood for 50,
and we disregard the cipher and make it stand for 5 only—as, Oil = 5.
O and i, being vowels, may be used in a word, but having no figure
value, do not change the numerical value of the word; therefore the
figure value of “oil” is 5, the same as though the “l” stood alone.
Lay = 5, Law = 5, Holy = 5, Awhile = 5, Wheel = 5,
Lit = 51, Wealth = 51, Lad = 51, Solo = 05,
Sales = 050, Slower = 054, Lane = 52, Alone = 52,
Lama = 53, Earlier = 454, Wholesale = 505,
Unmilitaryness = 2351420.
6 is represented by “sh,” “j,” “ch,” and “gsoft.” We have the letter
values of 6, through the initial consonants of the phrase: (Six), Shy
Jewesses Chose George. In the following words, the vowels have no
figure value, hence in translation are never counted. Show = 6,
Joy = 6, Hatch = 6, Huge = 6, Sage = 06, Cheats = 610,
Shed = 61, Sheath = 61, Shot = 61, Gin = 62,
Shin = 62, Jean = 62, Chin = 62, Gem = 63, Jam = 63,
Shame = 63, Chime = 63, Usher = 64, Jury = 64,
Chair = 64, Wager = 64, Shall = 65, Jail = 65,
Chill = 65, Gentle = 6215, Jewish = 66.
7 is represented by “ghard” “k,” “chard” “q,” and “ng.” We find
the letter equivalents of 7 in the initial consonants of the phrase:
(Seven), Great Kings Came Quarrelling. We thus use the
termination “ng” to express 7. Hog = 7, Key = 7, Cue = 7,
Young = 7, Yoke = 7, Wig = 7. As no vowels have any figure value,
they cut no figure in translating into numbers. Deck = 17,
Desk = 107, Kid = 71. Skate = 071, Ask = 07,
Asking = 077, Sketch = 076, Squire = 074, Cases = 700,
Gate = 71, Egad = 71, Kite = 71, Quote = 71. This first
“g” is hard (7) and the second “g” is soft (6) in Ganges. The
“g” in Governor is hard and in General is soft in
Governor-General. The first “c” is hard (7) and the second “c”
is soft (0) in accident, = 70121, Haggle = 75, Acme = 73,
Cannon = 722, Guitar = 714, Squeak = 077.
We represent 8 by “f” and “v,” because you can imagine a written “f” to
be an elongated 8, and “v” is a cognate of “f,” hence equivalent to the
same number; as, Wife = 8, Wove = 8. The vowels, although used in
the words, have no figure values, neither do “w,” “y,” or “h,” when not
a part of “sh” or “ch.” Safe = 08, Save = 08, Ivy = 8,
Hive = 8, Foe = 8, Dive = 18, Edify = 18, Tiff = 18,
Thief = 18, Thieve = 18, Tough = 18, Enough = 28,
Navy = 28, Knave = 28, Nefarious = 2840, Muff = 38,
Move = 38, Ruff = 48, Roof = 48, Rough = 48,
Review = 48, Alive = 58, Aloof = 58, Leave = 58,
Leaf = 58, Alpha = 58, Sheaf = 68, Chaff = 68,
Jove = 68, Shave = 68, Shove = 68, Cave = 78,
Calf = 78, Gave = 78, Cough = 78, Quaff = 78,
Quiver = 784, Five = 88, Fife = 88, Feoff = 88,
Fifth = 881, Vivid = 881, Faces = 800.
9 is represented by “b” and “p.” (Nine) Beautiful Peacocks would
indicate the figure value of 9, in the initial consonants of
“beautiful peacocks.” Bee = 9, and the two vowels “ee” have no
figure value. Bow = 9, Pie = 9, Pew = 9, Pay = 9, Ape = 9,
Up = 9, By = 9, Base = 90, Bias = 90, Pose = 90,
Pause = 90, Boat = 91, Both = 91, Bead = 91,
Bean = 92, Bone = 92, Pot = 91, Path = 91, Pad = 91,
Pine = 92, Beam = 93, Bar = 94, Bale = 95,
Badge = 96, Bush = 96, Buff = 98, Baby = 99,
Poem = 93, Pair = 94, Pile = 95, Push = 96,
Page = 96, Puff = 98, Pipe = 99, Pope = 99,
Pack = 97.
- Why is 5 represented by “L”?
- By what is 6 represented?
- Through the initial consonants of what sentence, not considering the
six in brackets?
- Where do we find the letter equivalents of 7, not
regarding the seven in brackets?
- What termination do we also use to express 7?
- If the termination “ng” represent 7, what is the figure
value of Singing?
- Give the figure value of Hong-kong.
- By what two consonants do we represent 8?
- Why?
- Give the figure value of the
vowels in these illustrations, if you find they have any value.
The representatives of the figures from 0 up to 9 are given in the
initial consonants of the ten subsequent phrases following the
figures:—
“Sidney Merlish gave a bow” Footnote [C]
= 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9.
| Nought | (0) | So Zealous Ceases. |
| One | (1) | Tankard this Day. |
| Two | (2) | Nostrils. (or 2 Nations. Ex. 35, 10; 37, 22.) |
| Three | (3) | Meals. (or 3 Mighty Men. 2 Sam. 23.) |
| Four | (4) | Roads. (or 4 Rings. Ex. 25, 26; 38, 5.) |
| Five | (5) | Loaves. (Matt. 14; Mark 6; Luke 9.) |
| Six | (6) | Shy Jewesses Chose George. |
| Seven | (7) | Great Kings Came Quarrelling. |
| Eight | (8) | Fold Value. (or 8 ’Varsity Fellows.) |
| Nine | (9) | Pin Bowling. |
This explanation is a help to remember the letter-values of the
figures. Another way to fix these values in mind for permanent use is
to turn words into figures, as in going through an ordinary
spelling-book. This practice quickly enables you to turn figures into
words, and to translate them back into figures. Facility will be
attained long before the lessons are completed. But this lesson,
thoroughly studied, will secure the needful proficiency.
- By what two consonants is the figure value of 9 represented?
- What are represented in the initial consonants of the
ten Phrases here given, not including, of course, the words before the
figures in brackets?
- Are these sentences of any help in remembering
the letter values of the figures?
- What other way is there to fix these values in mind?
- What does this practice enable you to do?
- —Two consonants of the same kind with no vowel between,
provided they have the same sound, are treated as one
consonant, as “ll” = 5, “nn” = 2, “rr” = 4, “dd” = 1, &c. The
first two consonants have different values in the word
“accident” = 70121.
- —All silent consonants are disregarded, as “b” in
“Lamb” = 53, “Comb” = 73, or in “Tomb” = 13. “Ph” and
“h” in “Phthisic” = 107; “gh” in
Bought = 91; “k” in Know = 2; “gh” in
Neighbours = 2940; “l” in Could = 71, or in Psalm = 03.
- —The equivalents of the figure-consonants have the same
value as those consonants themselves, as “gh” in
“Tough” = 18, “gh” in Enough = 28; “gh” in
Rough = 48. “Phrase” = 840, “Nymph” = 238,
“Lock” = 57. “N” sometimes sounds like ng, and so
represents 7, as in “Bank” (977) which sounds like “bang”
(not “ban”) with a “k” after it; ng are not always taken
together as one sound and translated into 7, but when they
sound separately are treated separately, as in
engage = 276 Footnote [D]. X = gs or ks = 70, as in example = 70395; in
oxygen = 7062. Sometimes X = Z, as in Xerxes = 04700, and then
it = 0. Ci and ti, and sometimes si and sci = sh, as
gracious = 7460; Nation = 262; Conscience = 72620. Dge = j, as
in Judge = 66. Tch = ch = 6, as in ditch = 16 (it rhymes
with rich = 46). Ch sometimes = k, as in Christmas = 74030.
S and z sometimes = zh, which is the cognate equivalent of
sh = 6, as in pleasure = 9564, and in Crozier = 7464.
Acquiesce = 70, excrescence = 7074020.
- —No notice is taken of any vowel or of w (war = 4) or y
(yoke = 7), or of h (the = 1) except as part of ch or sh.
Words like Weigh, Whey, &c., having no figure values, are
never counted. If one word ends with, and the next word begins
with, the same consonant, they are both reckoned, as That
Toad = 1111.
- When will facility be attained?
- Are these rules to be carefully studied?
- Repeat the first rule.
- What value is given to silent consonants?
- What have the same value as the consonants themselves?
- What does the consonant “N” sometimes sound like?
- What value is assigned to it in such cases?
- What is the consonant X equal to?
The pupil may skip the next paragraph if not wishing to deal with
decimals.
[As a rule, it is better not to use words beginning with S, except to
translate decimals and fractions, and Date-words where a doubt
might otherwise arise (unless in a phrase like “To see Jiji,” “delay a
spy,” &c.); and in case of the decimals, S, as the initial letter,
means (not 0, but) the decimal point. (1) If there is an integer
followed by a decimal, two separate words are used; the decimal-word
begins with S, thus: 945.51 = barley sold; 71.3412 = “good Samaritan.”
(2) If it is a decimal by itself, the S indicates the decimal point
only; .01 = society; .02 = Susan; .94 = sparrow. (3) If it is a vulgar
fraction, the words translating numerator and denominator begin with S,
and the S’s are not counted, the numerator-word coming first, and the
denominator-word last; thus 5/12 = sell Satan.]
As to Date-words, just before the Christian Era you may use an initial
S [or the vowel A, or any other vowel], as, Stir would mean 14 B.C.
[Before Christ]; and, of course, Tower would mean 14 A.D. [for Anno
Domini—in the year of our Lord]; Soar = 4 B.C., and Rue = 4 A.D. In a
Date-word like Trial, to express 145 B.C., no doubt could arise; if the
Pupil knows the contemporary history, he could not imagine it could be
290 later, or 145 A.D. If he fears he might not remember that it was
B.C. he could remove all doubt by using the word Stroll, or any other
word which translates 145 and begins with S.
- Do we ever take any notice of a vowel?
- Are there any
words which do not have a figure value, and if so, what are they?
- When do we use the letter “S” in dealing with decimals?
- When does “S” indicate the decimal point?
- When are two separate words used?
- In such cases, with what does the decimal word begin?
- In case of a vulgar fraction, what words begin with “S”?
- Are the S’s then counted?
- Which word comes first?
- How may we deal with date-words which
express the time of events before the Christian Era?
- After?
For convenience of reference I now give the figure Alphabet tabulated.
| 0 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
9 |
S Z Csoft |
t th |
n |
m |
r |
l |
sh j ch gsoft |
ghard k chard q ng |
f v |
b p |
If the pupil has mastered the Figure Alphabet he will proceed with the
greatest satisfaction and profit. If he has not mastered it, let him
carefully review the foregoing pages of this chapter, and then he can
advance with the assurance of meeting no difficulties.
- Write the Figure Alphabet from memory.
- If the pupil has
not thoroughly mastered this alphabet, what is required of him?
- If the pupil must review the foregoing six pages, let him find words
himself which spell the figures.
- Is not such a course much better
than merely to read over the examples and illustrations which I give?
- Is it easy to find words with which to translate dates and numbers?
It is a simple and easy process; knowing exactly what consonants are
used to represent each of the numbers, you simply write at the side of
the numbers to be turned into words the consonants which stand for them;
and using any vowels you please, you find out by experimenting what
words can translate the figures. Suppose you wish to find out what words
will translate the date of the settlement of Jamestown, Va., 1607. You
place the figures under each other as below, and then you place at the
right hand of each figure the consonants which translate it.
- 1 = t, th, d.
- 6 = sh, j, ch, g soft (as in gem),
- 0 = s, z, c soft (as in cease).
- 7 = g hard, k, c hard, q, and ng.
By experimenting you soon find the following phrases will represent
1607; as, “A Dutch Song,” “Dash a Sack,” “To wash a
Sock,” “The Choosing,” “The Chasing,” “Touches
a Key,” &c.
Try the date of the adoption of the Constitution of the United States,
1787. Writing down the numbers as before, you place t, th, d, opposite
1; g hard, k, c hard, q, ng, opposite 7; f and v, opposite 8; g hard, k,
c hard, q, and ng, opposite 7; and then you soon find translating words,
as follows: “To give a Key,” “The giving,” “The
quaffing,” “The Coughing,” &c.
In all cases you must carefully comply with the rules and explanations
heretofore given. A little practice will enable you to dispense with
writing down the figures and the consonants which represent them; but at
first pains must be taken in the above way to secure accuracy.
- What would be your method of procedure?
- What must be done in all cases?
- What will a little practice enable you to do?
- What must be done to secure accuracy at first?
- Deal with an original date in the way indicated here.
- In dealing with the date of the foundation of Yale College, would
the phrase “taxes due” express 1701?
- If not, why?
- Can you translate into a word or phrase the date of your own birth?
- Translate into words or phrases the birth and death
dates of some of the historic characters which you admire most.
- Keep a record of these words or phrases for future examination.
Try 1636, the date of the founding of Harvard College: You obtain
“Dash a midge,” “The chum age,” “Teach much,”
“To show my joy,” &c.
The founding of Yale College in 1701 gives: “Took a seat,”
“The cost,” “The quest,” “The cast,” “A tax
due,” or “Took a city,” &c.
Sometimes the first consonants only of words are used. Comenius,
Educational Reformer (things before words, pictured illustrations, &c.)
and Moravian Bishop, was born 1592: or (1) Things (5) Well (9)
Pictured (2) Now. He died 1671; or A (1) Teaching (6) Churchman
(7) Gave (1) Out.
When the word or phrase used to translate figures sustains no relation
of In., Ex., or Con., to the event itself, that word or phrase is
synthetic and is dealt with hereafter.
Nearly all the translating words given in this section so far are
synthetic. “The coughing,” sustains no relation of In., Ex., or Con., to
the adoption of the Constitution of the U. S., and is therefore
relegated to the next chapter for the method of cementing it to that
event if we were obliged to use that phrase.
Synthesis will be sometimes hereafter resorted to to connect in our
minds an event to its date. When this will be necessary, the sequel will
show.
When the word or phrase which translates the date or number sustains
the relation of In., Ex., or Con., to the event or fact itself, that
word or phrase is analytic, and is memorised by merely assimilating that
relation.
Different ways of expressing figures by words, phrases, or sentences
that are self-connected to the fact or event will now be given.
1. Sometimes all the sounded consonants of a word or phrase are used.
Room-mates in college are called “chums.” Harvard College—the oldest
Collegiate Institution in America—really introduced “the chum age” in
America. The formula for the date of its foundation in 1636 may be
thus expressed—Harvard College founded; the chum age [1636].
The annual production of iron in America is said to be six million four
hundred and twenty-seven thousand, one hundred and forty-eight tons.
These figures may be analytically expressed thus: “Huge iron we
get rough” [6,427,148 tons].
The great wall of China is 1,250 miles long. This may be expressed thus:
“They now a high Wall see” [1250].
A characteristic of Herbert Spencer is the accuracy of his definitions.
His birth, in 1820, may be indicated by this significant phrase: “He
Defines” [1820].
2. Sometimes only the initial consonants of the words or phrases or
sentences are used.
Caius Julius Cæsar was born 100 B.C., and he died 44 B.C. His birth may
be expressed by the phrase, (1) “The (0) Stripling (0) Cæsar;” and
his death by a phrase which declares that his death was the remote
result of his crossing the Rubicon, thus: (4) “Rubicon’s (4)
Revenge.”
Marcus Tullius Cicero was born 106 B.C., and he died 43 B.C. His birth:
(1) “Tullius (0) Cicero’s (6) Childhood.” His death: (4) “Remove
(3) Marcus.” [In allusion to the order for his death.]
The height of Egypt’s greatest pyramid is 479 feet, or (4) “World’s
(7) Greatest (9) Pyramid.”
The city of Melbourne was named after Lord Melbourne in 1837, or (3)
“Melbourne (7) Christened.”
It will be convenient to consider all compound names of cities or places
as if they were single words, using only the initial consonant of the
first of the names, as (2) New-York, or (2) New-Amsterdam, or (2)
United-States, etc.
New York City [at first known as New Amsterdam] was settled by the Dutch
in 1626, or New York founded: (1) “Dutchmen (6) Chose (2)
New-Amsterdam (6) Joyfully.”
Virginia was settled at Jamestown in 1607. This date may be analytically
expressed thus: (1) “Then (6) Jamestown (0) Was (7) Colonized.”
The exact population of the United States, according to the census of
1880, may be expressed through the initial consonants of the following
sentence: “A (5) Late (0) Census, (1) ‘Eighty’s’ (8) Furnishes
(9) Precise (2) United-States (0) Sovereign (9) Population,” or
50,189,209.
The exact population of the United States declared in June, 1890,
commonly called the census of “ninety,” was stated as sixty-two
millions six hundred and twenty-two thousand two hundred and fifty, or
“A (6) General (2) Enumeration (6) which (2) Undoubtedly (2)
Indicates (2) ‘Ninety’s’ (5) Large (0) Census.” 62,622,250, or
for the last three figures we could say: (2) United States’ (5)
Large (0) Census.
Before the close of the year 1890 an official census of the Whites and
Indians on the Indian Reservations added 243,875 to the above number,
making the total population of the United States in 1890, 62,866,125. A
(6) General (2) Enumeration (8) Officially (6) Shows (6) Just
(1) The (2) Number (5) Living. Now (1895) it is computed to be
67,000,000 [to express the round numbers of millions, we could say, (6)
Just (7) Government or (6) Charming (7) Country].
The birth of Herbert Spencer, in 1820, may be expressed thus: (1)
Advent (8) of (2) Infant (0) Spencer, or (1) The (8) Future
(2) “Unknowable” (0) Spencer, (2) Infant (0) Spencer. Several
different ways of expressing the same date will be given in a few
cases.
It is often convenient for a teacher, and others, to recall the number
of a page of a book in which a citation is found. In Prof. William
James’s Psychology Abridged for Schools and Colleges, the chapter on
Habit begins on p. 134, or “(1) The (3) Mould (4) Rules;” the
chapter on Will begins on p. 415: “A (4) Resolve (1) Denotes
(5) Will;” the chapter on Attention begins on p. 217, or “(2) Notice
(1) Attention’s (7) Qualities;” the chapter on Association begins on
p. 253, or (2) “Now (5) Help (3) Memory;” and that on Memory on
p. 287, or “(2) Intellect (8) Forbids (7) Cramming.” Prof.
Loisette’s New York Office is in Fifth Avenue at No. 237, or “A (2)
New (3) Memory (7) Given,” or “A (2) New (3) Memory (7)
Acquired.” His London Office was formerly at 37 [a memory gained]
New Oxford Street. It is now at 200 Regent Street, London [(2) Now
(0) Secure (0) Assimilation].
3. Sometimes the first two consonants of a word are used.
Sheridan’s famous ride occurred in 1864. In dates of the last and
present century it is usual to indicate the last two figures of the
date. 64, therefore, is all we need express. Formula: Sheridan’s ride in
1864—(64) Cheers; or, (64) Sheridan. The Pennsylvania Whisky
Rebellion took place in 1794; or, (94) Brewery.
4. Sometimes the first and last consonants of a word are used, and
sometimes two consonants in the middle of a word.
These devices are rarely resorted to, but if ever used, they must be
thoroughly assimilated. Battle of Waterloo was fought in 1815; 15 may be
found in the t and l of (15) Waterloo. Herbert Spencer was born,
as we have already seen, in 1820. The 20 may be found in the n and c
of Spencer.
5. Never, on any account, use the same word to express two different
dates; as, its first two consonants for one date and its two middle, or
its first and last consonants, to express another date.
6. Never fail to carefully analyse the relations between the fact or
event and its date or number word.
Subject to the exceptions hereafter named, all dates and numbers should
be exactly expressed in the date or number words.
Alexander the Great was born 356 B.C. and died in a drunken debauch
323 B.C. His birth: (3) Macedonia’s (5) Alexander a (6) Child. His
death: A (3) Macedonian’s (2) Inebriation (3) Mortal. Several
mnemonists of the old school have for the past forty years used the
phrase “Rise, Sire,” to express the date of the creation of the world,
which according to the accepted biblical chronology took place 4004 B.C.
But that phrase, proper enough in the mouths of the sons of Noah, when
they found their father lying on the ground in a fit of intoxication,
could have no pertinence when applied to the Creator, to the creation in
general, or to the creation of this world in particular. A
self-connected phrase would, however, express this date as follows:
“Creation of the World: (4) Earth (0) Started (0) Swiftly (4)
Rotating.”
First Exception.—From A.D. 1000 to A.D. 1700 the last three figures
of the date should be expressed in the date words. Mars expresses
340 and could be used to indicate the invention of cannon in (1) 340 by
one who knew that Mars was the name of the god of war in classic
mythology. The formula would be: “Invention of cannon: (1) 340
Mars.” But this term would have no mnemonic significance to one who
knows the word Mars as meaning only one of the planets. Hence the
danger—ever to be avoided—of using classical allusions in teaching the
average student. A (3) martial (4) Organ (0) Sways, or murderous
artillery started.
Second Exception.—From A.D. 1700 to the present moment, the last two
figures must be expressed in the date words. Many examples will
hereafter illustrate this exception. In very rare cases, the expression
of the last figure in the date word will suffice. We know that Ralph
Waldo Emerson and Oliver Wendell Holmes [author of the Autocrat of the
Breakfast Table] were born towards the beginning of this century, the
former in 1803 and the latter in 1809. The following formulas would give
the date of their birth: Ralph Waldo (180)3 Emerson; Oliver Wendell
Holmes (180)9 “Breakfast.”
Third Exception.—In cases where there is no practical utility in
comparing one very large number with another, as in the case of the
distances of the planets from the sun, mere round numbers may suffice,
yet astronomers must know such numbers with exactness. But in regard to
all mundane affairs, the pupil must throw off the character of scholar
and assume the license of children, if he attempts to express large
numbers, as of populations, &c., by “guessing,” or, what is the same
thing, by only giving round numbers. The Brooklyn Suspension Bridge is
5989 feet long, and the Forth Bridge, which crosses the Firth of Forth
in Scotland, is 8296 feet long. Now, instead of saying that the former
is about 5000 feet long, why not say 5989 feet long? [(5) Long (9)
Bridge (8) Of (9) Brooklyn.] And instead of saying that the latter
is about or somewhere in the neighbourhood of 8000 feet long, why not
be exact and say 8296 feet long? [(8) Forth’s (2) New (9) Bridge
(6) Shown. It was completed in 1890.]
No one who has not had experience in dealing with thousands of poor
memories, as I have had, can realise the fact that in most cases of poor
memories the facts themselves are often possessed, but are mostly
unrecallable when wanted. I have tried to teach pupils how to find
analytic date or number words without any previous training in In.,
Ex., and Con., and 99 of all such attempts have always been failures.
The 100th case, which succeeded, only confirmed the rule. On the other
hand, I have always found that these failures become successes after a
thorough practical training in In., Ex., and Con., such as I have
already given. In fact, I never had a pupil who became proficient in the
use of In., Ex., and Con., who did not arrive at the use of analytic
number words without any specific directions from me. But I think, on
the whole, that it is the better way to combine direct and specific
training in analytic number words, with a previous exhaustive general
drill in In., Ex., and Con.
The rules hereafter given must be carefully studied and every example
painstakingly examined. After studying my formulas let the pupil
endeavour in each case to find a better one himself. If the pupil acts
on my advice, he will know how to be always sure to think of the
needful related or including facts for finding analytic date words,
phrases, or sentences.
The different processes for dealing with dates or numbers may be
classified as follows:—
(1) Cases where the name of the person, fact, or event gives its date;
as, Birth of the colored orator and politician Frederick Douglass
(18)17. This kind of a case is of rare occurrence, and it would be like
the charlatanry which has disgraced many former memory systems to allow
the pupil to suppose that it frequently happens. A glance at the event,
word, or description will quickly tell him if it represents the
necessary figures, and if it do not, he must resort to an analytic date
word, or phrase, or sentence, whichever he finds most suitable for him.
No one figure alphabet contains the advantages of all others. Each has
special advantages in special cases. Whatever figure alphabet, however,
is used, the main thing about it is to master it thoroughly.
(2) Cases where a significant or analytic word or phrase expresses the
date or number. “Ill-usage” expresses the date of the death of
Columbus in 1506, as he died in great neglect. The impetuous pupil says:
“How can I be sure that this phrase applies to Columbus? Would it not
apply to any one who had been ill-used?” Certainly not. It applies only
to an ill-used man whose date (birth or death, &c.) was in 1506. If he
knows of some other man who was greatly ill-used and who died in 1506,
then he must use another analytic phrase for that man. See next
paragraph.
Six distinguished persons were born in 1809, yet the date of the birth
of each is easily fixed: Darwin, whose principal work was called “Origin
of Species;” Gladstone, noted for his vigorous eloquence; Lincoln, who
was conspicuous as a binder together of separated States; Tennyson, who
was chosen as Poet-Laureate, and who was born at Somersby, England;
Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy, who early displayed a musical genius, and
whose first oratorio was called “St. Paul;” Elizabeth Barrett Browning
[née Elizabeth Barrett], whose poems are distinguished for their
subjectivity. The analytic formulas for these different persons born in
the same year, 1809, may each differ from the others, thus:
| Birth of |
Charles Darwin |
Species (18)09 |
| —— |
William Ewart Gladstone |
Spellbinder (18)09 |
| —— |
Abraham Lincoln |
Splicer (18)09 |
| —— |
Alfred Tennyson
|
Poet (180)9 or (0) Selected (9) Poet or
Somersby (09) |
| —— |
Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy |
(180)9 or Precocious (180)9, or (0) St. (9)
Paul |
| —— |
Elizabeth Barret Browning |
(180)9, or Subjective (18)09 |
- Do all pupils succeed in finding analytic date or number
words without any previous training in In., Ex., or Con.?
- What proportion succeeded?
- Does this not confirm the rule?
- Do these failures ever become successes?
- How?
- What must be carefully studied hereafter?
- After studying my formulas, what should the pupil do?
- What will be the result, if the pupil acts on my advice?
- In what ways may the different processes for dealing with dates
and numbers be classified?
Benjamin Franklin was born in 1706, and died in 1790. (0) “Sagacious
(6) child” would analytically fix his birth, as he was known as a
precocious boy: or the single word (06) Sage. As he was a great
worker all his life, (90) “Busy,” or “(9) Benjamin (0) Ceased”
would significantly express his death-date.
(3) Cases where the initial consonants of a short sentence analytically
express the date.
The analytic number words, phrases, and sentences which one retains most
easily are those which he has made himself. Formulas prepared by others
are perfectly retained, however, if they are thoroughly assimilated.
The analytic word or phrase is what one most usually finds and uses.
Sentences will sometimes be useful because they may contain the name of
the event, and they sometimes offer a wider range for selection of the
needed consonants; but care must be taken to avoid ambiguity. To
indicate the birth of Lincoln, we might use this formula: (1) Dawn (8)
of (0) Assassinated (9) President, but as Garfield was also
assassinated, the formula in its meaning would equally apply to the
latter. If, however, we know that Garfield was born in 1831, the
ambiguity would be removed. (1) Dawn (8) of (0) Assassinated (9)
Abraham could apply only to Lincoln. (1) Dawn (8) of (0)
Slavery’s (9) President would be applicable to the career of
Buchanan, Pierce and Fillmore, but it would express the birth-date only
of Lincoln, while it would be wholly inapplicable to his career. (1)
Dawn (8) of (0) Slavery’s (9) Punisher would exclusively apply
to Lincoln’s life and birth-date.
- Can you think of any other analytic words to express the
date of the birth of Abraham Lincoln?
- Since “h” has no figure value, could we not use “Shaper”?
- If not, why?
- What analytic number, word, phrase, or sentence, does the pupil retain best?
- Are formulas made by others ever perfectly retained?
- In what cases?
(2) “Noah a (34) Mere (8) Waif,” (2) “Noah (3) May (48)
Rove,” or (2) “Noah (3) May (48) Arrive,” are analytic
sentences where all the sounded consonants are used. But a greater
variety of sentences might be found, or one sentence be more readily
found in the first instance if only the initial consonants are used:
as, (2) Noah’s (3) Menagerie (4) Ark (8) Full, or (2) Noah (3)
Made (4) Ararat (8) Famous, or (2) Noah’s (3) Marvellous (4)
Rainy (8) Flood, or (2) Noah’s (3) Mighty (4) Ark (8)
Floated, or (2) Noah (3) Mounted (4) Ararat (8) Firmly. Other
specific analytic phrases for this event may easily be found by the
student.
The superiority of analytic phrases where all the sounded consonants
are used, over the analytic sentences, where only the initial consonants
are employed, may be seen in the case of the number of men who enlisted
in behalf of the Federal Government in the late war. The number was two
millions, three hundred and twenty thousand, eight hundred and
fifty-four. By initial consonants we have, (2) Any (3) Man (2)
now (0) is (8) a full (5) loyal (4) Hero. By all the sounded
consonants we have—“Inhuman Civil War;” the latter shorter,
more significant, and more easily remembered. And, on the principle that
a condensed, brief statement, if clear and definite, makes a more vivid
impression than a longer one, we shall find that a short analytic phrase
is better for the memory than an analytic sentence, and an analytic
single word than a phrase. But a short analytic phrase, or a short
analytic sentence, is usually necessary, owing to our ignorance of the
subject matter, the limitations which belong to all figure alphabets,
and our neglect to act strictly on the lines of In., Ex., and Con.
- Is the analytic word or phrase self-connected to the event?
- Why will sentences sometimes be useful?
- What must be avoided?
- Can a greater variety of sentences be found if only the
initial consonants are used?
- What does the phrase “Inhuman Civil War” represent?
- What does it show the superiority of?
- What are the characteristics which recommend it?
- Is a short analytic phrase better
for the memory than an analytic sentence?
- On what principle?
(4) Cases where there is no direct relation between the person, fact,
or event, and the date, or number word or words. In such cases,
Synthesis, which is taught hereafter, develops an indirect relation.
Synthesis is used in three cases: (1) Where there is no relation
existing between the fact or event and its date word; (2) Where we
are ignorant of all the facts which would give us significant or
analytic date-words; and (3) where we know the needful pertinent facts
with which analytic words could be formed, but we cannot recall them
for use. In these three cases Synthesis must be used. I will now give
and illustrate the rules for the prompt finding of analytic date or
number words.
The preparation for thus remembering numbers without effort is the
only exertion required. When the method is mastered, the application
of it is made with the greatest ease and pleasure.
There are four indispensable requisites to finding analytic date and
number words promptly.
(1) Such a Mastery of the figure alphabet that the consonant equivalents
of the cipher and nine digits are at instant command, and never have to
be looked up when you have to deal with figures.
Pumps were invented in 1425. A student who thinks 2 is to be translated
by “m” instead of “n,” translates the dates by these phrases, viz.,
“Drum a whale,” or “Trim oil,” or “To ram a wall.” As these phrases
sustain the relation neither of In., Ex., or Con. to the fact, they are
hard to be remembered; and if remembered, they mislead. The student who
has mastered the Fig. Alphabet remembers that “n” stands for 2, and if
he knows the object of pumps, he at once finds the analytic phrase,
“Drain a well.” The formula would be: “The pump invented—Drain a
well (1425),” or (1) Water (4) raised (2) in a (5) hollow. How
could he forget the date?
Tea was first used in Europe in 1601. The unobserving student imagines
that 6 is translated by ghard, k, chard, q, or ng, and so he
translates 1601 into “Outcast,” (1701); a mistake of 100 years, and,
besides, “Outcast” is wholly unconnected with the introduction of tea
into Europe. The genuine student knows that 6 is represented by sh, j,
ch, or gsoft, and so he at once finds the analytic formula: “Tea
first introduced into Europe—Tea chest (1601).” The figure
phrase bears the relation of In. and Con. to the event, and cannot be
forgotten. Besides many people believe that tea helps digestion, and
such persons would find an analytic date-word thus: “Tea first used in
Europe—Digest (1601).”
- What is sometimes necessary?
- In how many cases is Synthesis used?
- What are they?
- How many indispensable requisites
are there to finding analytic date and number words promptly?
- Is draining a well the sole object of a pump?
- Was such its purpose originally?
- Explain the two phrases used to fix the date of the
introduction of tea into Europe.
- Can a figure phrase that bears the
relation of In., Ex., or Con. to the event be forgotten?
“Csoft” is often mistaken for “chard” by careless learners.
Fulton’s steamboat “Clermont” was launched in 1807. Such a pupil
translates that date by the phrase, “Defies ice” (1800). Here
“c” is soft and represents a cipher and not 7. “Defy a scow” gives
the exact date. Here the “c” is hard and represents 7, and as the
steamboat could easily outrun the “scow,” the phrase is easily
remembered.
An impatient pupil who never learns anything thoroughly often disregards
the rule about silent consonants. Braddock and most of his men were
killed by the Indians in 1755. This date this pupil translates by the
phrase, “Dock knell all” (17255). He overlooks the fact that 17 was
expressed by “Dock,” and no one out of a mad-house can tell how he came
to add “knell all,” unless he had forgotten that he had provided for the
7 of 17, and imagined that “k” in knell is sounded. But how account for
“n” to introduce 2? A genuine pupil would find the analytic phrase in
“They kill all” (1755).
Andrew Jackson, the seventh President, died in 1845. The unindustrious
pupil imagines that “p” represents 8, and not “f” or “v,” and translates
1845 into “To pour oil” (1945). The diligent student finds an
analytic translation of the date in the phrase “The farewell”
(1845).
These illustrations are sufficient to convince any one that the Figure
Alphabet must be mastered before the attempt is made to deal with
dates and numbers.
(2) The pupil must possess such a mastery of the subject matter that he
can instantly recall facts relating thereto on the lines of In., Ex.,
and Con. If he lacks such knowledge he had better deal with dates and
numbers which he must remember by synthesis [hereafter], or by Numeric
Thinking, rather than strive in vain to find analytic date and number
words.
- What mistake does the impatient pupil make?
- Does this not convince you that the figure alphabet must be mastered
before the attempt is made to deal with dates?
- What is the second requisite to
becoming proficient in forming analytic date words?
- What should the
pupil do if he lacks the knowledge indicated here?
- If the pupil fixes in mind the population of three States per day, how
long will it take him to learn the population of all the American States?
- How long to
deal in like manner with the population of all the countries of the
globe?
It is said that there are 1,750 spoken languages. If the pupil does not
know that the tongue is moved in different ways to pronounce the
distinctive sounds of different languages, he might not think of this
analytic translation of (1750), “Tongue all ways.”
The population of Kentucky according to the last census (1880) was
1,648,690. Those who do not know the Kentuckians raise fine saddle and
race horses, many of which are bays, might not think of the analytic
phrases, “Teacher of showy bays,” or “Teacher of a
showy pace.”
The estimated number of horses in the world is 58,576,322. Those who do
not know how cruelly coachmen often treat the horses under their charge
might not think of the analytic phrase, “Will feel coachmen
now.”
The Yellowstone National Park contains 2,294,740 acres. One who does not
know that this park was recently created, might not think of the
analytic phrase, “One New Park arose.”
The U. S. Government paid out in the year 1865 the sum of
$1,297,555,324. If one wished to remember the exact figures, he could
easily find an analytic phrase, if he thinks of the act of delivering or
handing over the money, as “They unpack loyally all
money here.” If any analytic phrase is long or awkwardly
constructed, it is very easy to memorise it by the analytic-synthetic
method; as (1) They unpack. (2) They unpack money. (3) They unpack
money here. (4) They unpack all money here. (5) They unpack loyally
all money here.
The number of letters delivered in Great Britain during the postal year
of 1881–82 was 1,280,636,200. If the student knows that the Central Post
Office of London is a very large building, he could instantly find the
analytic phrase, “Within office huge much news we
see.”
The amount lost annually by fire in the United States is estimated at
$112,853,784. If we do not go outside of the subject matter of losses
by fire, we shall readily find an analytic phrase by means of which we
can certainly remember that large number of dollars—“A debt on
flaming fire.”
There are 653,020 Freemasons in U. S. A. Those who know what is meant by
the phrase, “From labor to refreshment,” in the masonic ritual, will at
once translate those figures into the analytic phrase, “Jolly
Masons.”
There are 591,800 Odd Fellows in the United States. Notice if you can
find figures to translate “Odd” or “Fellows,” or any other fact
pertaining to the Order, and you have the analytic phrase, “All
happy ‘Odd’ faces.”
There have been granted 428,212 patents in the United States. Can you
find any word pertaining to patents in those figures? “We here
invent anew.”
The number of Indians in the United States is estimated as 241,329.
Considering how unkindly treated many of them have been, we find an
analytic phrase which fits the fact—“No red man happy.”
The population of the state of New York in 1880 was five millions,
eighty-two thousand, eight hundred and seventy-one (5,082,871). An
analytic phrase founded on any conspicuous characteristic of the
population, or on any prominent aspect of the geography of the State
[Niagara Falls, for instance], which many of its people have witnessed,
would suffice, or “A (5) Legal (0) Census (8) Of (2) New-York’s
(8) Folks (7) Comprising (1) Eighty’s.”
The pupil who conscientiously studies the rules and examples in this
lesson will find that he can have the great satisfaction of always being
exact and reliable in regard to numbers.
- Give an original analytic phrase expressing the number of
acres in Yellowstone National Park.
- Why do we not give all three of
the l’s in the word “loyally” a figure value?
- In translating the word
“debt,” why is it not 191 instead of 11?
- What makes these phrases easy to remember?
- Give an analytic phrase expressing the number of
patents granted in the United States.
- What great satisfaction can the conscientious pupil always have?
- Suppose, when the pupil reaches this
page, he has learned that the number of the population, or of patents,
or of Masons, Odd Fellows, &c., has changed, what is he to do?
- Must he not deal with the latest statement of the fact, and find his own
analytic number words?
The date-words opposite each name can be learned by one careful
analytic perusal. If the relation is not understood in any case, a
glance at the explanations which follow the series of Presidents will
remove all doubt or difficulty.
| Footnote [E] |
George Washington |
Fabian (1789). |
|
John Adams |
Bickerings (1797). |
| Footnote [E] |
Thomas Jefferson |
Steed (1801). |
| Footnote [E] |
James Madison |
Speculative (1809). |
| Footnote [E] |
James Monroe |
Doctrine (1817). |
|
John Q. Adams |
Unlucky (1825). |
| Footnote [E] |
Andrew Jackson |
Unwhipped (1829). |
|
Martin van Buren |
Mocked (1837). |
| Footnote [F] |
William Henry Harrison |
Hard cider (1841). |
|
John Tyler |
Rudderless (1841). |
|
James K. Polk |
Realm-extender (1845). |
| Footnote [F] |
Zachary Taylor |
Warproof (1849). |
|
Millard Fillmore |
Licenser (1850). |
|
Franklin Pierce |
Looming (1853). |
|
James Buchanan |
Lecompton (1857). |
| Footnote [E] |
Abraham Lincoln |
Agitation (1861). |
|
Andrew Johnson |
Shall (1865). |
| Footnote [E] |
Ulysses S. Grant |
Chapultepec (1869). |
|
Rutherford B. Hayes |
Cocoa (1877). |
| Footnote [F] |
James A. Garfield |
Fatal (1881). |
|
Chester A. Arthur |
After (1881). |
|
Grover Cleveland |
Flood (1885). |
|
Benjamin Harrison |
Fibrous (1889). |
|
Grover Cleveland |
Boom (1893). |
- How can the date-words opposite each name be learned?
- What must be done in case the relation is not understood?
- What is the
relation between William Henry Harrison and “Hard cider”?
- Why would not “Sweet cider” do?
- What Presidents served more than one term?
- How is this indicated?
- How many died in office?
- When is the pupil supposed to learn the series of Presidents?
Remarks.—The pupil is presumed to have learned heretofore the series of
Presidents from Washington to Grover Cleveland, and to have recited it
forwards and backwards many times. Now let him learn the dates of their
accession to office, and then let him recite the series both ways in
connection with those dates several times: as, George Washington, 1789;
John Adams, 1797; Thomas Jefferson, 1801, &c., &c., to Grover Cleveland,
1893 and then back to Washington. Although it is much better for the
pupil to find his own analytic date-words, yet, as many may not have the
time to do so while studying this lesson, I append a few explanations of
the facts on which the above analytic date-words are founded.
“‘Fabian’ was applied to the military tactics of Washington, on some
occasions, when he imitated the policy of Quintus Fabius Maximus
Verrucosus, a Roman General who not daring to hazard a battle against
Hannibal, harassed his army by marches, counter-marches, and
ambuscades.” “Bickerings” were incessant during John Adams’s
administration between his own supporters and the faction of Hamilton.
“Steed”—Jefferson rode on horseback to the Capitol to take his oath of
office as President. Arrived there he dismounted and fastened his steed
to an elm-tree, since known as Jefferson’s tree. He did this to
signalise his disapprobation of royalty, and his preference for
democratic equality. “Speculative” were the celebrated “Madison Papers.”
“Doctrine”—the Monroe doctrine declared that no foreign power should
acquire additional dominion in America. “Unlucky” was correctly applied
to John Quincy Adams’s administration. See Barnes’s U. S. His., p. 175.
“Unwhipped”—Jackson always came off victorious in all his duels and
military campaigns. “Mocked”—Van Buren was appointed by Jackson as
U. S. Minister to England. The United States Senate rejected his
nomination. This political insult secured much sympathy for him, and
helped to make him President. “Hard-cider” was a party watchword during
Harrison’s campaign for the Presidency. “Rudderless”—Tyler often
changed his political views, and finally turned against the United
States Government, of which he had been Chief Executive.
“Realm-extender”—during Polk’s administration the United States
acquired the territory embracing California, Arizona, New Mexico, and
Texas. “Warproof”—Taylor was a successful warrior.
“Licenser”—Fillmore’s administration passed the Fugitive Slave Law,
which enabled the Southern masters to recapture runaway slaves.
“Looming”—during Pierce’s term the cloud of civil war was looming up in
the distance. “Lecompton” constitution of Kansas was a pro-slavery
document which Buchanan favoured. “Agitation” preceded and attended
Lincoln’s inauguration, and finally culminated in the civil war.
“Shall”—Johnson made use of the imperative “shall” in regard to the
removal of Edwin M. Stanton, for which attempt he was afterward sought
to be impeached. “Chapultepec” was the battle in which Grant entered
upon that career of military achievement which secured him two
Presidential terms. “Cocoa” was characteristic of the drinks allowed at
Hayes’s table at the White House. No wine was tolerated. “Fatal” was
Guiteau’s shot to Garfield. “After”—although Tyler, Fillmore, Johnson,
and Arthur became Presidents on the death of their chiefs, yet only
Arthur succeeded to the Presidency in 1881, which is indicated by the
first two consonants of “After.” “Flood”—Cleveland vetoed an
unprecedented number of bills during his term. There was a “flood” of
them. “Fibrous” applies metaphorically to mental qualities; it means
strong, sinewy—high talents, just below genius. “Boom” refers, of
course, to the large amount of support which Cleveland obtained on his
second election to the Presidency.
- Should the pupil find his own analytic date-words in this exercise?
- How were Washington’s military tactics sometimes characterised?
- What is the relation between “Bickerings” and John
Adams?
- Why is “Steed” analytic of Jefferson’s inauguration?
- What has the word “Doctrine” to do with Monroe’s administration?
- To what
book is the pupil especially referred in regard to J. Q. Adams’s
administration?
- Is “Mocked” a case of Con. or Ex. in the case of Van
Buren?
From 1000 A.D. to 1700 A.D., the last three figures only need be
given, and from 1700 A.D. to date only the last two figures require to
be given. It is better for the pupil to find his own phrases. A slight
acquaintance with English History will make all the formulas here given
easily understood. Green’s short “History of the English People,”
Dickens’ “Child’s History of England,” Collier’s “History of England,”
and “History of England,” by the author of the “Knights of St. John,”
may be recommended.
- (1) William I. (1066)—(0) Hastings (6) champion (6) justified.
- (2) William II. (1087)—He (1) decorated (0) his (8) father’s (7)
grave; or (0) silvering a (8) father’s (7) grave.
- (3) Henry I.
(1100)—(1) The (0) scholarly (0) sovereign.
- (4) Stephen
(1135)—(1) The (3) monarch’s (5) liar.
- (5) Henry II. (1154)—(1)
The (5) land (4) restorer.
- (6) Richard I. (1189)—(1) The (8)
fawners (9) punished.
- (7) John (1199)—(1) Depriving a (9)
pretty (9) boy.
- (8) Henry III. (1216)—(1) “Third” (2) Henry’s (1) tender (6) childhood.
- (9) Edward I. (1272)—(2) On a (7)
crusade (2) unsupported.
- (10) Edward II. (1307)—(3) A monarch (0)
espouses a (7) comrade.
- (11) Edward III. (1327)—He (3) made (2)
Windsor (7) Castle.
- (12) Richard II. (1377)—A (3) monarch’s (7)
collector (7) killed.
- (13) Henry IV. (1399)—A (3) monarch (9)
punished (9) borderers.
- (14) Henry V. (1413)—A (4) rioter (1)
turned (3) monarch.
- (15) Henry VI. (1422)—(4) Royalty (2) in
(2) infancy; or (4) Arc (2) unjustly (2) inflamed.
- (16)
Edward IV. (1461)—(4) York (6) championed (1) Towton.
- (17)
Edward V. (1483)—(4) Ruler (8) “Fifth” (3) murdered.
- (18)
Richard III. (1483)—(4) Richard (8) feigns (3) modesty.
- (19)
Henry VII. (1486)—(4) Roses (8) finally (6) joined.
- (20)
Henry VIII. (1509)—A (5) lady (0) slaying (9) policy.
- (21)
Edward VI. (1547)—A (5) lad (4) royally (7) good; or, a (5)
will (4) requiring a (7) council.
- (22) Mary (1553)—(5) Luckless
(5) loving (3) Mary.
- (23) Elizabeth (1558)—(5) Elizabeth (5)
liked (8) vetoes.
- (24) James I. (1603)—(6) James a (0) Scottish
(3) monarch.
- (25) Charles I. (1625)—(6) Charles’ (2) insupportable (5) illegalities.
- (26) Council and Parliament (1649)—(6) Charles (4) rightly (9) beheaded.
- (27) Oliver Cromwell (1653)—(6) General (5) Oliver’s (3) mastery.
- (28) Richard Cromwell (1658)—(6) General (5) Oliver’s (8) offspring.
- (29) Council and Parliament (1659)—A (6) Junta (5) leading (9) Parliament.
- (30) Charles II. (1660)—(6) Cheerful (6) Charles (0)
Second.
- (31) James II. (1685)—(6) James’ (8) followers (5)
elated.
- (32) William III. and Mary (1689)—(6) Joining (8) of (9)
Powers.
- (33) Anne (1702)—(0) Submissive (2) Anne.
- (34) George I. (1714)—(1) Utterly (4) resigned.
- (35) George II. (1727)—(2) Anspach’s (7) Caroline.
- (36) George III. (1760)—(6) George’s (0) Sovereignty.
- (37) George IV. (1820)—(2) Undivorcible (0) Sovereign.
- (38) William IV. (1830)—(3) Midshipman (0) Sovereign.
- (39) Victoria (1837)—A (3) model (7) Queen.
- (1) Edward the Confessor, always fond of the Normans, had promised that
on his death his kingdom should go to Duke William of Normandy.
- (2) William II. early directed a goldsmith to decorate his father’s grave
with gold and silver ornaments.
- (3) Henry I. was called Beauclerc, or
fine Scholar.
- (4) Stephen had produced a false witness to swear that the
late king on his deathbed had named him (Stephen) as his heir.
- (5) Henry II. revoked most of the grants of land that had been hastily made
during the late troubles.
- (6) Richard punished the people who had
befriended him against his father.
- (7) Arthur had the best right to the
throne, but John imprisoned and murdered him.
- (8) Henry III. was crowned
at the age of ten. “Third” tells which Henry is meant.
- (9) Edward I.
declared—“I will go on, if I go on with no other follower than my
groom.”
- (10) Gaveston was the king’s comrade and favourite, and was
finally beheaded by the indignant barons.
- (11) Edward III. erected
Windsor Castle.
- (12) The king’s poll-tax collector was killed by Wat
Tyler.
- (13) A successful Scottish war was this monarch’s first
achievement.
- (14) Riotous Prince Hal became a spirited, valiant king.
- (15) Henry VI. was only nine months old when his predecessor died.
- (16) Edward IV., with aid of the Earl of Warwick, won the great battle at
Towton; 40,000 men were slain.
- (17) Edward V. was only thirteen years
old. The Lord Protector, Duke of Gloucester, threw him, with his
brother, into the Tower and caused them to be murdered.
- (18) Richard’s
affected modesty is conspicuously brought out in Shakespeare’s tragedy
of Richard III.
- (19) Henry VII., to quell forever the hostility of the
rival Roses, married Elizabeth of York, the daughter of Edward IV.
- (20) The formula in this case is clearly justified by history.
- (21) Edward VI. was but ten years old. Henry VIII. had provided in his will
that a council of sixteen should govern during Edward’s minority.
- (22) Mary was fond of her husband, who cared little for her, and unlucky in
her advisers.
- (23) Elizabeth showed the natural arbitrariness of her
disposition in her vetoes. In one year—1597—she refused the royal
assent to 48 bills passed by the Commons.
- (24) James I. was the first
Scottish king that reigned over England.
- (25) Charles I. lost his life
in the attempt to act independent of the Commons.
- (26) If anyone thinks
that Charles was not rightfully beheaded, he could make the phrase—(6)
Charles (4) wrongfully (9) beheaded.
- (27) The phrase is obviously
true.
- (28) The phrase gives the exact date of Richard Cromwell’s
accession and the word “offspring” means Richard Cromwell.
- (29) A Junta
here means the “council.”
- (30) Charles Second was called the “merry”
monarch.
- (31) Parliament at once voted James II. nearly two million
pounds sterling per annum for life.
- (32) William and Mary were
coördinate sovereigns.
- (33) Anne was truly “submissive” or easily
influenced.
- (34 and 35) Green intimates that George I. and George II.
hardly affected the course of events—the former followed the advice of
his ministers and the latter of his wife Caroline.
- (36) George III. was
emphatically a sovereign.
- (37) George IV. had tried ineffectually to get
rid of his wife; her death at last released him.
- (38) William IV. had
been a midshipman in the navy.
- (39) Victoria has certainly proved
herself to be a “Model Queen.”
(3) The pupil must possess such a familiarity with the laws of in., ex.,
and con., not merely in their theoretic and abstract aspects, but in
that practical character and working power of them which I teach, that
he can instantly apply them to the every-day affairs and ordinary
occurrences and events of life.
If you know that the number of square Footnote [G] miles in the area of the State
of New York runs into thousands, and you wish to remember that the
exact number of thousands is 47, you could accomplish this object if
you found a word which spells 47, and is at the same time connected by
In., Ex., or Con. to New York. You try the varieties of Inclusion; and
in synonymous Inclusion you find 47 in the word “York” itself, the “y”
having no figure value, and “r” standing for 4, and “k” for 7; thus you
cannot see the name of New York or think of it without having
conclusive evidence of the number of thousands of square miles the State
contains.
The title of a subject, the name or description of an event or date, can
always be safely abridged or bracketed in part in the formula, as 47
[New] York. But no one could imagine that “York” in this connection
[47 thousand square miles] means any of the towns or country seats of
the United States which are called “York.” If the context makes an
otherwise indefinite thing definite, it is sufficient.
Analytic date and number words do not have to be memorised.—Seeing is
believing, and, in this case, remembering too. If you thoroughly
master my system you can find, in most cases, analytic date and number
words without any difficulty, and by means of them you can remember
thousands of dates and sets of figures, when without the system you
could have remembered only five or ten of them.
Suppose in your haste you failed to notice that “York” spells 47, and
you then proceed to try Inclusion by Genus and Species; regarding York
as the general word, you would find New York as a species or kind of
York; the same with Yorkshire, Yorktown, York Minster, etc. In this way
you would, if your mastery of the Figure Alphabet were perfect, scarcely
fail to notice that York spells 47; but if you fail, you then try
Inclusion by Whole and Part, and run over the political divisions of the
State until you come to Rockland County, and there you find in its
first two consonants the letters “r” and “ck” (the equivalent of “k” in
sound). These consonants spell 47. You would find the same consonants in
the County of Herkimer.
Suppose, however, that from unfamiliarity with the Figure Alphabet, or
from want of considerable practice, you do not succeed in noticing that
Rockland or Herkimer contains the number 47, you try Inclusion by
Abstract and Concrete, and regarding the State of New York as the
Concrete, and the Abstract or characterizing epithet “rocky” as
applicable to New York, you would then find in that word “rocky” the
number 47.
If you did fail, you would try Exclusion, and you would find nothing
which is the antithesis of the area of New York. You might find,
however, a weak form of Exclusion if you consider that the area is the
surface, and what is below the surface as the opposite of it. In the
latter case you would find in the words “Erie Canal,” which is a
great artificial channel running through a part of the State, the
letters “r” and “c” hard, which spell 47. A more exact Exclusion might
be found in the word “ring,” which spells 47. For if we consider the
shape of the boundary of New York we would see that in no vague sense a
ring, as a circle, is the opposite of it.
But suppose that from a chronic absent-mindedness or an overworked
brain, or downright bad physical health or insufficient knowledge of the
system, you failed to see 47 in any of the foregoing cases, you would
try Concurrence. Considering that the State of New York is largely
agricultural, you would find that the implement of farming known as a
“Rake” would spell 47; this would be a case of Concurrence. In a
political sense, the word “rings” gives 47, as New York has been
celebrated for them.
All that the student requires is one analytic word. I have gone
through the varieties of Inclusion, through Exclusion, and Concurrence,
merely to show how to find analytic words and not because more than
one word was necessary.
According to the census report of 1890, the number of square miles of
land in the State of New York is 47,620, or (4) York’s (7) Acres
(6) Surely (2) Not (0) Submerged; the number of square miles of
land and water in it is 49,170, or (4) York’s (9) Plains (1)
With (7) Accompanying (0) Sealets.
We will try another case: You want to remember the number of plays that
Shakespeare wrote. You know it is less than 50; but you wish to remember
the exact number—it was 37. You experiment; you try the varieties of
Inclusion, and among the rest you try Whole and Part; you find in the
first two consonants of the name Macbeth the figures 37; but if you
did not notice that Macbeth afforded you the means of always
remembering that the Shakespeare Plays numbered 37, you would try
Exclusion perhaps. If you look upon the attempt to ascribe the
authorship of the Shakespeare Plays to Bacon as a mockery you would
find in the first two consonants of that word the figures 37 through the
operation of Exclusion; and if you recollect that the character of
Shylock was played with great success at Old Drury, February 17, 1741,
by Charles Maclin, you would find in the first two consonants of his
name the figures 37 through Concurrence.
Napoleon Bonaparte was born in 1769. As a boy he was finely formed.
“Shapely” (69) gives his birth-date by In. by A. and C. He evinced
the opposite of the temper usually ascribed to the “Shepherd-boy”
(69)—a birth-date by Ex. “Chaplet”—a wreath or garland signed
for by him in his ambitious hopes—expresses his birth-date by Con. His
death occurred in 1821. “End” (21) or “Undone” (21) expresses
his death-date by synonymous Inclusion. “Nativity” (21) indicates it
by Ex. Since he died from cancer in the stomach, he could retain very
little food. “Indigestion” (21) makes his death-date by Con.
Wellington’s birth, in 1769, may be expressed by “Sheep-faced” (69),
a term his own mother applied to him when a boy. In his childhood, he
was blue-eyed, hawk-nosed, slender, and ungainly, “Chubby” (69), by
Ex., expresses his birth-date. A more vivid concurrence can scarcely be
imagined, since he and Bonaparte were both born in the same year, 1769.
Wellington died in 1852 at Wilmer Castle. “Wilmer” expresses the date
of his death by only one year too many. But a means of remembrance that
requires readjustment or modification can seldom be relied upon, except
by those who are practised in Higher Analysis. He was 83 years old when
he died. “Lantern-jawed” (52) expresses his death-date by In., by A.
and C. No man was ever more honored after his death than Wellington.
“Alienated” (52) expresses his death-date by Ex. A sudden illness
carried him off. Hence “Illness” (52) is a fact connected with his
death by Con.
These elaborate illustrations must indicate to any student how to apply
the laws of In., Ex., and Con., so as to find analytic date and number
words. Cases of Ex. give good practice, but are rarely ever necessary.
Inclusion, as applied to the events of life possesses the same variety
as in regard to words. In dates of the last and present century, the
expression of the last two figures is sufficient. William Cullen
Bryant was born in 1794. ’94 is found in the name Bryant, a case of
Synonymous Inclusion. Aaron Burr killed Alexander Hamilton in a duel in
1804. As we know it was about the beginning of this century, this
translation of the 4 indicates the exact date and is found in Aaron
and relieves the memory of all doubt.
- Who applied the term “sheep-faced” to Wellington when he
was a boy?
- What is the most vivid case of Con. here given?
- Why do we not give a value to both l’s in the word “illness”?
- What do these illustrations indicate?
- What does inclusion as applied to the events of life possess?
- Why is it not necessary to have a date-word to
express the date of Hamilton’s death in which the 0 is indicated as well
as the 4?
Sherman made his famous march through the South in 1864. 64 is found in
the word Sherman [or by two words: (6) Sherman (4) Ravaging]. In
dates previous to the last century, the last three figures must be
expressed. Movable types were invented in 1438. We know it was not
A.D. 438, but was 1438; a mistake of 1,000 years is not possible. If we
translate 438 it will mean to us the same as 1438. 438 is found in the
analytic word (438) “Removable” [or, to express all the numbers,
thus: (1) Types (4) are (3) movable (8) figures].
The Phonograph was invented in 1877. The expression of 77 is found in
Cognate, and that indicates the resemblance of the human mechanism
to receive sounds to the Phonograph; for both processes utilize
vibrations, and are therefore from similarity of functions “Cognate”
methods. How any one could forget analytic date-words is more than I can
understand, especially when formed by himself.
- What must be done when we wish to find date-words the
events of which took place previous to the last century?
- Can a person easily forget analytic date-words formed by himself?
Exclusion.—The first steamship crossed the Atlantic in 1819. 19 is
found in “Tub” by Exclusion, as the most opposite to a steam-driven
ship. Andrew Johnson was advanced to the Presidency on the death of
Abraham Lincoln in 1865. 65 is expressed by Exclusion in the word
“Shelved,” which means the opposite of promotion [or by two words,
thus: (6) Johnson (5) Elevated]. “Mendacious” expresses by
Exclusion the birth of George Washington in 1732, as indicating a
youthful quality the opposite of that which he manifested, and by two
words: (3) America’s (2) Infant. Other examples are given in
subsequent pages.
Concurrence finds incidents or concomitants of a fact or event,
something that by accident became connected with it. It may be a
forerunner or successor, the cause or consequence, or a contemporaneous
fact, etc.
William Cullen Bryant, from a fall, died in 1878. The last two figures
78 are found by Concurrence in the initial consonants of the phrase “(7)
Cullen’s (8) Fall.” Cullen will be easily identified, as the middle
name of Bryant. When Jefferson became Vice-President, in 1797, he wore
the customary big-wig; and the first two consonants of “Big-wig”
express by Concurrence that date.
Artillery was invented in 1340. 340 indicates that date, and by
Concurrence we find those figures in the first three consonants of
“Merciless.” Or (3) Murderous (4) Artillery’s (0) Scourge.
Plymouth (Mass.) was settled in 1620. 620 will indicate it. We find
these figures in “Chance,” which by Concurrence describes the risk
they ran. The Telephone was invented in 1877. Whoever has listened to
the telephone to identify a speaker, and heard others talking in the
shrill tones that strike upon the ear, is apt to think of the cackling
of hens, and “Cackle” expresses the date 77.
Jefferson Davis disguised himself in the hood, shawl, and dress of his
wife in 1865. “Shawl” by Concurrence expresses that date. The
Constitution of the United States was adopted in 1787, which spells
“The Giving.” To adopt the Constitution, it required the States
to give their assent. They gave the Federal Government all the power
it possessed. “The Giving” is therefore a case of Concurrence. A
circumstance connected with settlements is selecting the site.
Jamestown, Va., was settled in 1607, which spells “The Choosing.”
This phrase relates to the settlement by Concurrence. Harvard College
was founded in 1636, which spells “Teach Much.” Whether we take
this phrase as describing the object or result of founding that college,
it is a case of Concurrence. A college is sometimes called a seat of
learning. Yale College was founded in 1701, which spells “Took a
seat.” This phrase describes the locating of the college, and is
therefore a relation by Concurrence.
(4) The pupil must seek analytic words which are approximately
specific, as birth-date words must, where possible, relate to birth or
juvenile events; marriage-date words, to events connected nearly or
remotely with the marriage; date words for any other event in life or
fact in history should, directly or indirectly, relate to such event
or fact; and, finally, death-date words should refer to incidents which
preceded, accompanied, or followed the fact of the death.
This rule, theoretically correct, must be very liberally interpreted in
practice. This lesson furnishes numerous illustrative examples.
As shown heretofore, the pupil must know the facts, and the System
will then help him to fix their date.
A pupil had loaned money to a horse-dealer who lived at No. 715 of a
certain street. He knew the house well, yet he could not recollect the
number 715. At length he thought of “Cattle” as a figure word to
enable him to remember the number. Yet the word is general and
apparently unconnected with the house, as it was not a stable but a
boarding-house. Yet, as cattle and horse are species of the genus
domestic animal, and cattle would recall horses and horse-dealer, he did
right to use that term, and it served him well. At first he instantly
recalled the word “cattle” whenever he thought of the horse-dealer’s
residence, and at once 715 was given him. After a time, he directly
recalled 715 without first thinking of “cattle.” This is always the case
where the method is applied. It is soon no longer required in that case.
When this pupil told me what he had done, I asked him why he had not
used the phrase “(7) Collect (1) The (5) Loan,” which was the
object he had in view in thinking of, or of sending to, that address.
His reply was that “cattle” served his purpose. With one person a single
word, with another a phrase, and with another a sentence, is most
serviceable. He had other borrowers who lived at other places. Why could
this phrase “Collect the loan,” which would apply in its meaning to the
case of others, remind him of this particular debtor’s home? Because, if
he had consciously devised that phrase to identify this debtor’s
address, it could apply in his mind to the address of no other debtor.
Thus the facts help us devise the number phrase, and the phrase helps
revive the facts.
I do not, for instance, undertake in this lesson to teach the pupil that
Washington never left America but once, when he accompanied his invalid
brother to Barbadoes in 1751, in search of health. But if he knows these
facts, my method helps him retain the date, by using those facts for
this purpose; as, (1) To (7) Gain (5) Island (1) Tonic; or
(17)51 Health. We know that “health” is an object with everybody in
all countries and in all ages, and is therefore a word of the most
general character and of the most extended application. How, then, can
it have any special significance in this case? Because by knowing the
facts, in the first place, as “health” was the object of the visit of
Washington and his brother; and seeking for a date word which spells
(17)51, the pupil has discovered that this general word “health” spells
that date; and, as the pupil has applied the word “health” to this date
and to no other, he has thus made the general word specific for his
purpose. Because “tonic” is a health promoter, and “island” is a help to
recall the specific Islands of Barbadoes, the phrase (1) “To (7)
Gain (5) Island (1) Tonic,” is more specific than “health.” But
either the single word or phrase becomes specific, if the facts of the
case are assimilated, and then by the pupil are applied to furnish a
date word.
Much of the substance and pith of historic eras can be expressed in the
analytic words, phrases, or sentences with which their dates are
enunciated. If the foregoing and subsequent examples are carefully, not
hurriedly, studied, the student can readily hereafter retain a great
deal of the significance of facts, events, or epochs by his infallible
recollection of the analytic expression of their dates. As with history,
so with the arts and science, etc.
Population of the United States of America is now (1895) 67,000,000 =
General Cultivation or Sharp Yankees. When dealing with the
number of millions or thousands only, it is not necessary to express
the ciphers. Pop. of Great Britain = 38,000,000, or (3) Mightiest (8)
Folks; or Manufacturing Fabrics; or Money-making Freetraders.
Pop. of Africa, 127,000,000 = The Negro Continent. Pop. of Bombay
= 804,470 or Foreigners as a rule are English Citizens.
A gentleman in Bombay, who had to deal with complaints about water
supplies there, told me the true population is 817,564, which he fixed
by my method as follows: Frightful To Keep All Just Right.
Pop. of Calcutta = 840,000; or Viceroy’s Residential Seat. Pop. of
India = 292,000,000; or India’s Population Enumerated.
Pop. of Australasia, &c., 4,250,000 = Our Independent Living
Australians.
Pop. of Melbourne with its suburbs (1891) = 490,912 = (4) Our (9)
Biggest (0) City’s (9) Buildings (1) decidedly (2) unequalled.
The “City” contains 73,361 = (7) Great (3) Melbourne (3) Makes a
(6) Chief (1) Town.
Pop. of Sydney (1891) = 386,400 = A (3) Most (8) Varied (6)
Sheltering (4) Harbour (0) Has (0) Sydney.
Pop. of Hobart (Tasmania), 1891 = 31,196; (3) Many (1) Tasmanians
(1) Eat (9) Hobart’s (6) Jam.
Pop. of Auckland (New Zealand), with suburbs, in (1891) = 51,287; (5)
All (1) The (2) Inhabitants (8) Of (7) Auckland.
The Specific Gravity is the relative weight of a body compared to an
equal bulk of some other body taken as a standard. This standard is
usually water, for all liquids and solids, and air for gases.
| 1. |
Gold |
19.2— |
Dollars Buy Sundries.—Gold
is made into money. The specific gravity of gold is 19.2; that
is, nineteen and two-tenths. The initial consonants of the phrase
“Dollars Buy Sundries” express through “D”
and “B” the figures 19. The “S” of “Sundries” expresses the
decimal point, and the first subsequent consonant “n” expresses
the decimal two-tenths. |
| 2. |
Silver |
10.4— |
The Silver Assayer. |
| 3. |
Platinum |
21.5— |
Unusually Ductile
Solid.—Platinum is the most ductile metal
known. |
| 4. |
Lead |
11.3— |
The Tin Smith.—Lead is used to solder
tin. |
| 5. |
Mercury |
13.5— |
The Mercury Sold. |
| 6. |
Copper |
8.9— |
View a Spire.—Copper points the lightning
rods. |
| 7. |
Iron |
7.7— |
Hook Skillet.—It means hang up an iron
pot. |
| 8. |
Zinc |
6.9— |
A Sheet Supply.—Zinc is rolled
into sheets. |
| 9. |
Antimony |
6.7— |
German Seeker.—Antimony was
discovered by a German monk. |
| 10. |
Calcium |
1.0— |
White Ceiling.—Calcium is used in
white-washing. |
| Mississippi |
(4,382 miles long).— |
Rushing Mississippi’s waves
Encroach.—The Mississippi River frequently overflows
its banks. |
| Nile |
(3,370 mi.)— |
(3) Mighty (3) Mediterranean’s (7)
Greatest (0) Stream. |
| Volga |
(2,400 mi.)— |
In Russia’s Soil Superior.—The
Volga is the largest river in Russia, and, in fact, the largest
in Europe. |
| Ohio |
(1,265 mi.)— |
The Ohio Now Ships Lighters. |
| Loire |
(530 mi.)— |
Loire’s Majestic Sweep. |
| Seine |
(470 mi.)— |
Rolling Gay Seine. |
| Spree |
(220 mi.)— |
Notice Noble Spree. |
| Jordan |
(200 mi.)— |
A Known Salty Solution.—The River Jordan
is impregnated with considerable salt. |
- Why could we not substitute the phrase “The Mercury
Shield” for “The Mercury sold,” since “S” stands for “0,”
and “h” has no value?
- Why not use the phrase “White sealing” to
express the Specific Gravity of Calcium?
- Could the Atomic Weight of
Silver (108) be expressed by the phrase “The Vase?”
- If not, why not?
- Would the phrase “The Silver Vase” be better?
- In dealing with the length of the Mississippi, why do you not give the
figure value of “W” and “E” in that part of the phrase which includes the words Waves Encroach?
- Would you indicate this value by a cipher, then?
- If not, why?
Mt. Everest [29,002] Named Upon a Survey Strictly Unique; or
India’s Peak Is Certainly Unequalled.—This is the highest
mountain on the globe; or India’s Boundary Summit Is
Unapproachable. Kinchinjunga is 28,156 ft. high. We shall know what
Mountain is meant if we omit the first syllable “kin.” Hence we can use
the formula, “Next Everest Dawns Lofty Chinjunga.”
|
Popocatepetl
|
(17,783 ft.) — |
The Greatest Crater of
Mexico. |
| Mt. Brown |
(16,000 ft.) — |
This Charming Western Scenery
Celebrated. |
| Mt. Blanc |
(15,781 ft.) — |
This Alpine Cone Fascinates
Travellers. |
| Jungfrau |
(13,720 ft.) — |
This Mountain Agassiz Nimbly
Ascended. —Prof. Agassiz was one of the first who
reached the summit of this mountain. |
| Ben Nevis |
(4,406 ft.) — |
Here Review a Snowy Giant. |
| Snowdon |
(3,570 ft.) — |
Majestic Hills Greet
Snowdon. |
| Saddleback |
(2,787 ft.) — |
Near Keswick View a
Craig.—This mountain is situated near the town of
Keswick. |
- Are there any letters in the word “Ohio” which have a
figure value?
- Do you see any way by which you can make the word
“Known” stand for 2 by my figure alphabet?
- How can you infallibly retain these figure-sentences?
No one can have very definite or exact ideas of Geography who does not
know the Latitude and Longitude of the chief Cities of the
World.
| (1) London |
Lat. = 55°—00′ |
(5) London’s (5) Latitude (0) Easily (0)
Seen. |
| Long. = 0 |
(0) Starting-point. |
| (2) New York City |
Lat. = 40°—52′ |
(4) York (0) City’s (5) Latitude (2)
Named. |
| Long. = 73°—59′ |
(7) Commercial (3) Metropolis’ (5)
Longitude (9) Portrayed. |
| (3) Philadelphia |
Lat. = 40°—00′ |
(4) Republic’s (0) Zealous (0) Statesman
(0) Signed. |
| Long. = 75°—10′ |
(7) Quaker (5) Longitude (1) Too (0)
Sober. |
| (4) Chicago |
Lat. = 41°—45′ |
(4) Rebuilt (1) Town’s (4) Real (5)
Latitude. |
| Long. = 87°—50′ |
(8) Fires (7) Cannot (5) Longitude (0)
Sacrifice. |
| (5) Boston |
Lat. = 42°—20′ |
(4) Harvard (2) University’s (2) Nearest
(0) City. |
| Long. = 71°—05′ |
(7) Gives (1) Tea (0) Spillers’ (5)
Longitude. |
| (6) New Orleans |
Lat. = 30°—00′ |
(3) Mississippi’s (0) Southernmost (0)
Seaport (0) Serene. |
| Long. = 90°—00′ |
(9) “Butler (0) Stole (0) Silver
(0) Spoons.” Footnote [H] |
| (7) Denver |
Lat. = 39°—41′ |
(3) Mountain (9) Peaks (4) O’erlook (1)
Denver. |
| Long. = 105°—00′ |
(1) Denver’s (0) Certain (5) Longitude
(0) Safely (0) Ascertained. |
| (8) San Francisco |
Lat. = 37°—30′ |
(3) Metallic (7) California’s (3)
Metropolitan (0) City. |
| Long. = 122°—00′ |
(1) The (2) Navigator (2) Now (0)
Sees (0) San Francisco. |
| (9) Hot Springs |
Lat. = 34°—19′ |
(3) Men (4) Relish (1) Hot (9)
Baths. |
|
Long. = 93°—00′
|
(9) Bathing (3) Must (0) Save (0)
Sickness. |
| (10) Pittsburg |
Lat. = 40°—29 |
(4) Iron (0) Smelting (2) Haunts (9)
Pittsburg. |
| Long. = 79°—50′ |
(7) Great (9) Pittsburg’s (5) Longitude
(0) Secured. |
| (11)
Niagara Falls |
Lat. = 43°—02′ |
(4) Roaring (3) Magnificent (0)
Ceaseless (2) Niagara. |
| Long. = 79°—12′ |
(7) A Cataract (9) Pours (1) At (2)
Niagara. |
| (12) Bombay |
Lat. = 18°—53′ |
(1) The (8) First (5) Island (3)
Met. |
| Long. = 72°—53′ |
(7) Kipling’s (2) Nativity (5) Well (3)
Mentioned. |
| (13) Calcutta Footnote [I] |
Lat. = 22°—34′ |
(2) Numerous (2) Natives (3) Migrate (4)
Here. |
| Long. = 88°—24′ |
(8) A Viceroy (8) Favours (2) Natural
(4) Remembering. |
| (14) Melbourne |
Lat. = 37°—49′ (S) |
(3) Melbourne’s (7) Grounds (4) Yarra
(9) Bisects. |
| Long. = 44°—58′ (E) |
(4) Harbour’s (4) River (5) Well (8)
Furrowed. |
| (15) Capetown |
Lat. = 33°—55′ (S) |
(3) Mathematical (3) Mapping (5) Will
(5) Last. |
| Long. = 18°—28′ (E) |
(1) Table Bay (8) Favours (2) Numerous
(8) Vessels. |
If the mind-wandering mode of rote learning is no longer practised,
but an assimilating method is substituted for it; if we abolish the
“mind-wrecking” procedure of forcing immature minds into and through
studies which they cannot comprehend, and which, therefore, create
chronic habits of Inattention; and if the idea of numbers and their
elementary processes are objectively taught, until habits of sure
enumeration and calculation are formed, then, when the child reaches
maturity, he will rarely if ever require any conscious aid in
remembering a series of 2, 3, 4, or more figures.
Meantime, a thorough training in this system tends to do away with the
injurious effects of false mental habits; to set the Memory and
Attention at work in a natural way, and greatly strengthen both; and
while learning a large number of dates in a short time, or many figures
in one series may still require the use of the System, unless the
Numeric Thinking prior to this chapter has been mastered, yet, in the
ordinary way of meeting figures in reading, study, or business, there
will seldom occur any necessity for resorting to the method taught in
this lesson.
In the case of those who have not inherited, but who have acquired, a
great power of Attention, a decided benefit will ensue, however, if
throughout life they occasionally use the System in regard to numbers
and in learning prose and poetry by the Analytic-Synthetic and
Interrogative Analysis Methods.
- Will a pupil always require an aid to remember figures?
- What is required of him in order to enable him to do away with any
conscious aid?
- What does a thorough training in my system accomplish in the meantime?
- Will there ever be any necessity of using the figure alphabet?
- Will not a decided benefit ensue to those who have acquired a great
power of attention?
Where a great power of Attention has been renewed or originally
acquired, it requires considerable effort to continue that power. The
unnumbered objects of thought which civilization constantly brings
before the mind, without giving any opportunity for a mastery of many of
them; the fierce rivalries of interest, and the enervating habits of
body which are constantly being formed or perpetuated—all alike and
together tend to break down an acquired power of Attention. It is said
that Alexander Hamilton used to go through the demonstrations of
Euclid’s Geometry before the commencement of each Session of the early
Congress. For what purpose? In order to be able to make use of
geometrical knowledge in debate? Certainly not. He reviewed this study
to stiffen the back-bone of his power of Attention. And he possessed
this power in an extraordinary degree by nature. I am not suggesting
any such severe course of self-discipline. But if the pupil whose
attention was formerly weak will never allow a date to come before him
without fixing it in mind by my method, and if he will also occasionally
learn by heart a passage of prose or poetry by my assimilating
methods, he will train his Attention in a pleasanter and more effective
way than Hamilton did his by his studies in Euclid—besides making
himself conspicuously accurate where most men are notoriously
inaccurate.
[It is a most misleading mistake to suppose that the principles of the
following or either of the previous chapters are to be consciously and
constantly used by the pupil, whether he be a student or a man of
business. It is only used at all during the training period—rarely
afterwards. But during the training period, I desire the pupil to make
as much use of the devices and principles of the system as he possibly
can—and the more he uses them the sooner he no longer has occasion to
use them.]
- Does it require any effort to continue that power?
- What tends to break down an acquired power of attention?
- What suggestion is here given the pupil in regard to this?
- Is this method easier and less severe than Hamilton’s?
- Is it not more effectual? ←ToC