h manner I have
indicated, whether it be a book in which the reader finds but _few_
novel ideas or where they are _all new_, as in a scientific or technical
work, is by my Method. In fact, I believe no one can learn any book so
thoroughly by _rote_, even if he possesses a marvellous Natural Memory
and if he peruse it ever so many times, as my Pupils can by my method in
a single perusal. Let the reader note that my System has two important
aspects--(1) It is a Device or Method of memorising or learning any
facts whatever--prose, poetry, dates, data, formulae and facts and
principles of the sciences, &c., &c., &c., or anything whatsoever to be
remembered. (2) There is another equally, if not _more_ important aspect
of it, namely, as a _Trainer or Strengthener of the Natural Memory_ to
any extent the pupil wishes to carry it. And the Natural Memory is so
strengthened by the use of the System, that as a Device, the System is
no longer required. You then remember from your new Memory-power without
taking any pains to remember, and I am happy to add that the diligent
student can derive the full benefit of the System as a Memory Trainer by
learning the lessons in the way I point out.

Now, those who have thus derived the _full benefit_ of the System, both
as a Device for memorising and also as a Memory Trainer, _are the
persons who can learn a book in one reading_. "Reading" is used by
Coaches in a technical sense; that is, synonymous with "thorough study."
By a "single" or "one reading," I mean a single careful perusal _in
conformity to the requirements of my System_. I do not mean that they
can do this and doze during the process.

I now reproduce most of the plan always adopted in dealing with books
whose contents, or the unfamiliar portions of them are to be mastered.

(1) You will not read the book with the _rapidity_ with which some young
ladies are said to devour the latest novel. They are often suspected of
skipping pages at a time in order to discover the different stages of a
plot, until a thoroughly aroused curiosity compels them to hasten at
once to the last chapter to fall upon the denouement. This is not the
style of perusal I contemplate.

(2) Nor is it to be supposed because you understand the method that it
will therefore work itself. It has to be _applied_ carefully and
methodically _at least once_. This necessarily demands _time_,
especially at first. Those who possess good health and good continuity,
an