# Memory Systems New and Old/Chapter 6

CHAPTER VI.
MNEMONICAL FEATS.
OBJECTION has been taken to various mnemonical systems on the ground that their propounders had more in view the exhibition of apparently difficult feats of memory than the application of the art to matters of real value and importance. Regarding such feats, Lord Bacon said he esteemed them no more than he did rope-dancing or acrobatic performances, and characterized one as being the abuse of the bodily, and the other of the mental powers. But just as acrobatic performances often have the effect of encouraging the practice of healthy gymnastic exercise, so does the performance of mnemonical feats have the effect of directing the attention to the powers of the memory, and leading to a profitable study of it. The world must be amused and entertained; and just as kindergarten teachers play to teach, so the mnemonist may amuse to instruct.
In the examples which follow, the object has been to give sufficient illustrations to allow the mnemonical student to suitably entertain an evening party, for example, with feats both varied and interesting. It must be premised, however, that before attempting to exhibit his "marvellous memory before a critical audience he should first thoroughly know the principles of the system he has adopted. He should note, also, that the key, without which little can be done, is to replace the numbers 1 to 100, and he should know it so ​perfectly as to be able to recite it with ease, and to remember the equivalent of any number without hesitation.
Mental Calendars.
Mnemonical calendars for any year are easily constructed, quickly learnt, and are always useful. All that is required is the date of the first Sunday in each month, from which other dates can be calculated. In the following, these dates are suggested by words possessing some similarity to the month and dates:—
1887. :
| Date of First Sunday. | Suggestive Words |
| January 1, Oct. 2 | Octogenarian's tooth |
| Feb., March, and Nov. 6 | Feebly mark novel music |
| April, July 3 | A jolly apple tree |
| May 1 | May's wonders |
| June 5 | Tuneful hive |
| August 7 | An August event |
| Sept., Dec. 4 | Deceptive ford |
1888. :
| January, April 1 | Jennie happily won |
| February 5 | Valentine's wive |
| Nov., March 4 | Nobly march forth |
| May 6 | May-pole fix |
| June 3 | Juniper tree |
| July 1 | Julia won |
| August 5 | A gust drives. |
| September, December 2 | Deception's hue |
| October 7. | Rocky Devon |
How to Forget.
Ir it be difficult for some persons to remember it is certainly as difficult to forget. The mere attempt to forget an occurrence impresses it more strongly on the memory. Dr. Brux, in 1610, devoted some space to the ars oblivionis, and gave directions in his "Simonides Redivivus" for acquiring the art. Haney, an American writer, refers to the subject, and his remarks so well epitomize what has been written on this subject that I reproduce them. "We believe," says Mr. Haney, "forgetting may be treated as sensibly and as philosophically as remembering. It is the nature of the mind for a great or intense feeling to overpower a weaker one, just as an insignificant bodily pain or feeling is eclipsed and multiplied by a greater. Everybody has probably experienced the truth of this statement; who is there who has not had something which he had striven to remember driven from his recollection by some more powerful remembrance, perhaps inadvertently re-called? This naturally suggests the mode by which a thing may be forgotten: bring before the mind other objects of a more powerful influence, drive away the memory of past disappointments or sorrows, not in senseless frivolities of sinful dissipation, but by giving the memory something on which to exercise itself. Pleasurable and healthful occupation for the mind will free it from morbid and depressing memories, as vigorous exhilarating bodily exercise refreshes and invigorates the body."