Thought-Culture

called by psychologists "Processes of Presentation." By Presentation is meant t

rogress in knowledge, for each percept would be new each time it was presented and there would be no recognition of it as having been previously perceive

"in the mind's eye," so to speak, which relieves us of the necessity of directly and immediately perceiving an object each time we desire or are required to think of it. The pro

y. We have written a work on "Memory" which forms one of the volumes of the present series, and we have no intention, or desire, to repeat here the information given in that work. But we must consider the subject of Representation at this point in order to ma

or stamped upon the subconscious field of mentality, as the impress of the die upon the wax. Retention is the process whereby the subconsciousness retains or holds the impressions so received. Recollection is the process by which the mind re-collects the impressions retained in the subconsciousness, bring

therefore, shall not attempt to enter into a discussion of its general subject at this place. We shall, ac

as Brooks says: "It is not to be assumed that knowledge is retained as a picture; but that it is recreated in the form of a picture or some other mental product when it is recalled." The process is analogous to the transmutation of the sound-waves entering the receiver of a telephone, into electrical-waves which are transmitted to the receiver, where they are in turn re-transmuted to sound-waves which enter the ear of the listener. It will be seen at once that there is the closest possible relat

m a whole number of perceptions. Now memory images in the sense of this definition simply do not exist.... Try, for instance, to draw from memory some landscape picture which you have only once seen, and then compare your copy with the ori

ures. We are able to represent not only visual percepts but also sounds, smells, tastes or feelings, often so vividly that they appear as almost actually existent. We may also even repre

y in this place. In the first place the importance of Attention and clear Perception, as necessary precedents for clear Representation, may be emphasized. In order to form clear mental images of a thing we must have perceived it clearly in the first place. The advice regarding the use of the

he mental-muscle and also to give the faculties the opportunity to "acquire the knack." The exercises and methods recommended in our chapter on Perception will furnish good material for the Representative faculties' growing requirements. By perceiving the details of things, one is able to reproduce clear mental images of them. In studying an object, always carry in your mind the fact that you wish to reproduce it in your mind later. In fa

penings with any degree of clearness. How clearly can you image the places you have been, the appearances of the people you have met, the various details of persons and things which you perceived during the experiences of the day? Not very clearly, we dare say. Try again, and you will find that you will be able to add new details. Keep it up until y

nes will work wonders for you. Not only will it develop the Representation, but your powers of observation and your general memory will be found to be improved. And, moreover, in "chewing the mental cud" you will thi