Dear Sirs,-In reply to your letter of the 15th inst., Mr Johnson has arranged to go and select the wall papers on Wednesday next, so you will probably receive these in about a week's time. The servants' rooms and the offices, with the exception of the servants' hall, are not to be papered, but distempered, as described in the specification. Kindly ask Mr Johnson what colour he would like the walls of these | rooms finished in, when he is rext at the house. We enclose you herewith sections of picture mouldings; that marked (1) A is to be used in the drawing room, dining room, billiard room, and all the principal rooms, that marked B in the bedrooms, dressing rooms, boudoir, etc. This picture moulding will have to be fixed to suit the width | of the frieze selected for the various rooms. In the principal rooms it will probably be about 2 ft. from the ceiling, while in the bedrooms it will be about | 1 ft. 6 irs; you must not, however, fix this moulding until you get the exact width of the frieze. All the woodwork in the bedrooms, boudoir, etc., to be 2) finished white, while the drawing room, dining roc m, billiard room and study are to be stained an approved brown tint, and twice varnished with flat egg-shell varnish. We shall be glad to receive from you in due course the | samples of the stain you propose to use. Yours faithfully, (250)

• Reporter."

(Counted in 20's.)

Sir Isaac Newton, the extraordinary mathematician whose wonderful and unquestionable genius astonished the world and raised him from obscurity into a position proportiona ́e to his talent, and whose name has the singular power of arousing the enthusiasm of all enthusiastic | lovers of original and independent research, was the son of a farmer, who was devoted to agriculture and agricultural pursuits. ] Isaac Newton was always an enthusiast as regards mathematics, and was able to astonish those who assembled in his father's | house by the imperturbable and impregnable patience he exhibited, and by his skill as a mechanic in the manufacture of (1) mechanical toys. His life was a perpetual study of subjects which are repugnant to most men. He felt no repugnance for them, however, and he was perpetually exercising his intelligence in attempts to reduce the experditure of energy, to make | the forces of nature subservient to man and applicable to every contingency, and to substitute mechanical power for manual labour. | It is unquestionably true that the applicability of many of the inventions used by the manufacturer at the present day, though he may not suspect it, is due to the preliminary experiments of Newton His name is among the highest (2) in the aristocracy of the scientific world. Both the aristocratic statesman and the democratic leader advocating the cause of the democracy owe a debt to the indefatigable labours of Newton. Magnetism and magnetic phenomena attracted him, and we are informed that the simple observation of an apple falling in a perpendicular direction was sufficient to inform him of a universal law. He was the great informer of the world of science. He manufactured no theory without care, and no Chancellor of the Exchequer could bestow more pains on his Budget than Newton bestowed on the statement of a discovery. To (3) the inconsiderate and extravagant individual devoid of sensibility, to whom expensive attire and extravagance in living are indispensable, the indescribable | simplicity of Newton's life is not intelligible. Indiscriminate expenditure of his revenue was antagonistic to his sensible, well-proportioned and intelligent nature, and intemperance was never suspected in him. Indeed, it found in him an antagonist whose antagonism was proportionate to his enthusiasm for learning. He recognised his responsible position and the responsibility attaching even to his extemporaneous utterances, and not in his most familiar momer ts, and with those whose friendship and familiarity he prized, would he sanction intemperance. He (4) would superscribe no suspicious recognizance, and, though he liked journalism, he did not favour it as an investment. His superscription | on any indenture or certificate was sufficient to advertise its genuineness. He never advertised himself at an assembly, and he resented advertisement by others. Isaac Newtor, Esquire, was title enough for him, but Queen Anne bestowed on him the honour | cf knighthood, and, certainly, his merits were no more than proportionately rewarded. The magnetism of his example, and the magnetic | influence he exercised, were extraordinary. He died in 1725, at the ripe age of eighty-five. (500)

(To be continued.)

PHONOGRAPHY AS A MEMORY AID.

BY ALEXANDER PATERSON, F.J.I.

In this paper I purpose briefly expounding a popular scheme of mnemonics based upon Pitman's Phonography. It is so simple, and at the same time so natural, that any phonographer may turn it to practical account, and that after only a minimum expenditure of time and labour. It has been devised with a view to aiding and strengthening, not superseding the natural memory, and though it may not accomplish everything that some other memory aids undertake to do, it will be found equal to all ordinary requirements, while its simplicity and adaptability are eminently calculated to commend it to popular favour.

The science of mnemonics, so called, has never been widely popular. The cause may be easily explained. The majority of the memory aiding schemes that have been given to the world, from the days of Simonides, the Greek poet, who flourished some five centuries before Christ onwards, have unquestionably been extremely ingenious productions, and probably all have proved in a greater or less degree useful to such as have been at the trouble to master them, but all, or nearly all, have been lacking in the essential of simplicity, and have not, as a consequence, been utilized in the manner and to the extent that could have been desired. The leading principle in nearly every one has been the same, but the modes of its application have varied, in some cases very materially, while the rules have been much too artificial and too complicated. For one who has suc. ceeded in thoroughly mastering a system, twenty have abandoned the task in despair, and have, after a time, lapsed into the ranks of the ignoble army of smatterers.

With mnemonical systems and system makers, schemes and schemers, I do not purpose here concerning myself, I have not a word to say against any one of them. All systems have had their merits, and we may also assume, their demerits, and their framers are entitled, at any rate, to credit for good intentions. My object is not either to criticise or to censure, but to point out what I believe to be, for phonographers, a more excellent way than any one that has hitherto been devised, and one the acquisition of which costs practically nothing.

Memory has been tersely defined as the faculty of remembering. The philosopher Locke terms it "the power to revive again in our minds those ideas which, after imprinting, have disappeared, or have been as it were laid aside or out of sight." All possess the power of remembering, but in very different degrees. Some memories are so receptive, and at the same time so retentive, as to be almost entirely independent of adventitious aids, but nearly every one uses a mnemonical expedient of his own devising, which to a certain extent serves his purpose, though perhaps in an irregular and unsystematic form. Cases of phenomenal memories must be familiar to every one. We have all read of Lord Macaulay's extraordinary, it might almost be said, miraculous, faculty for remembering. At one period of his life he was known to say that if by some miracle of vandalism all copies of "Paradise Lost" and the "Pilgrim's Progress" were destroyed off the face of the earth, he would undertake to reproduce them both from recollection whenever a revival of learning came. The secret of his immense acquirements, we are told, lay in two invaluable gifts of nature-an unerring memory and the capacity for taking in at a glance the contents of a printed page. This power of assimilation was also possessed in an eminent degree by Dr Johnson. Most people find it tolerably easy to memorize matters in which they are personally interested, or make special subjects of reading or study. Sir Walter Scott says: Perhaps there are few men whose memory serves them with equal fidelity as to many different classes of subjects; but I am sorry to say, that while mine has rarely failed me as to any snatch of verse or trait of character that had once interested my fancy, it has generally been a frail support, not only as to names and

dates and other minute technicalities of history, but as to many more important things."

It does not of necessity follow that everyone who is the possessor of high intellectual endowments is gifted at the same time with a tenacious memory, neither is the power of remembering inseparably associated with genius. As Martin Tupper pithily phrases it, Memory is not wisdom: idiots can write volumes." The " "memory" reporters who flourished at the close of the Eighteenth and the beginning of the Nineteenth century, including the celebrated Woodfall himself, were all in other respects very ordinary personages, and would have died unknown to fame, but for the possession of the one talent which they turned to such profitable account in those "good old times" when the use of notebooks and pencils was proscribed in the House of Commons gallery. Phenomenally retentive memories, in combination with very commonplace intellectual powers, are by no means uncommon, as most people who have had opportunities for observation will be in a position to testify from cases which have come under their own observation. There is, in short, no necessary connection between the memory and what is termed brain power; the one may be active while the other remains dormant, and vice versa.

It is but rarely that we come across one who is endowed with what may be termed a good all round memory. Some have an extraordinary faculty for remembering dates, but find themselves at fault when the matter is one of names and faces. One may have what phrenologists term the organ of tune so fully developed as to be able to play a difficult piece of music over after hearing it only once; while another may be, like Dr Johnson, so insensible to the harmony of sweet sounds as to be able to do little more than distinguish between the church bells and the organ.

There is no memory, however good it may be, that is not capable of cultivation. All mnemonical aids are useful in so far as they have been conceived with the view of aiding the already existing faculty. A common-place book is invaluable for preserving matters gleaned in the course of reading, conversation, and observation, which may be useful for future reference, and this, if persevered with, will prove a convenient memory aid, but it will be found very inferior to a method which has been specially devised with a view to systematically remembering particular things. "Adventure not all thy learning in one bottom," says quaint old Thomas Fuller, but divide it between thy memory and thy notebooks"; and provided both are habitually and judiciously used, the individual can hardly, as the years go on, escape becoming well informed.

(To be continued.)

LEGAL TERMS, PHRASES, AND
ABBREVIATIONS

FOR TYPISTS, AND SHORTHAND AND OTHER

JUNIOR CLERKS.

BY THE AUTHOR OF "Elementary LAW FOR
SHORTHAND CLERKS AND TYPISTS."

IV. MISCELLANEOUS TERMS (CONTINUED). Return-Returnable-Return Day.-These expressions are employed for legal purposes in a very special and peculiar sense and they are apt to be very puzzling to a beginner. He hears mention of "the return of a summons," and of "the return day," and he finds himself called upon to take down from dictation the statement that a certain summons in a certain action is "returnable" on a certain specified day. These expressions will not be clearly understood without a reference to their origin. At one time writs relating to certain kinds of actions had to be actually returned into court on certain days fixed in each term for that purpose. These days were called "return days," and the writs were said to

be "returnable" on those days. A summons heard before the judge or the master in chambers had to be returned or brought back to chambers on the day on which it was heard; and this came to be known as its return day. It was said to be returnable on that day. The expressions remain in use and mean now simply the day on which a summons is to be heard, it being said to be returnable on that day.

(To be continued. Commenced in No. 1.)

LONDON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

HIGHER COMMERCIAL EDUCATION SCHEME. The first honorary lecture of the 1993 4 session of the Higher Commercial Education Scheme of the London Chamber of Commerce, was delivered in the Hall of the Salters' Company, St Swithin's lane, Cannon street, London, E.C., on 14th Nov by Mr J. A. Kempe, C B., (DeputyChairman of the Board of Customs), on "The Customs System of the United Kingdom and its Relation to British Commerce." The lecture was an extremely able and authoritative exposition of the subject, which it is most important should be thoroughly understood by all engaged in commercial transactions. (It has been published in pamphlet form, No. 12, price 3d. net.) Sir Albert Rollit, M.P., presided, and was influentially supported by, among others, Dr C. A. Montague Barlow (Hon. Director of Studies), Mr C. M. Co vie (Assistant Secretary of the Board of Educatior), and Mr E. J. Ball (one of H M. Inspectors for Secondary Education). The Chairman announced that the Chamber had arranged for courses of lectures by the highest authorities, the subjects including political economy, accountancy, commercial and industrial law, banking and currency, commercial history and geography, fire, life and marine insurance, and the machinery of Lloyd's, of the Stock Excharge, and the theory and practice of exchange. Honorary lecturers would deal with the following among other subjects: "Education and the Empire" by Sir Gilbert Parker, M.P.; "The Development of Motor Traffic and its Connection with Commerce" by the Hon. C. S. Rolls; "The General Post Office" by Sir Robert Hunter (solicitor of the Post Office); "Canada," by Mr W. L. Griffith (of the Office of the High Commissioner for Canada). In languages, opportunities would be given for instruction in French, German, Spanish, Italian, Russian, and Dutch; and it was proposed to add shortly Portuguese, Chinese, Japanese, Hausa and Hindustani.

CORRESPONDENCE.

THE PROPOSED SOCIETY OF BOOK KEEPING TEACHERS.

Sir, My suggestions have been well received; more than the anticipated number of replies have come to hand, with promises of assistance from every quarter. Teachers of repute have not hesitated in their criticism and endorsement of the scheme formulated. The next step will be the calling of an "inaugural" meeting as early as possible in January; this will allow ample time for further discussion and the elaboration of any additional suggestions in regard to the movement. I shall be glad to furnish details to all teachers interested in the establishment of a society that may, in many ways, be an advantage to them.

14 King's roal, Wimbledon.

J. W. RAMSHAW.

INC. SOCIETY OF SHORTHAND TEACHERS.

ENTRANCE EXAMINATION.

The entrance examination was held on Saturday, 28th Nov., the following being a list of the centres and superintendents. Birmingham, E. Latham; Cardiff, T. A. Blogg: Dublin, B. F. Higgins; Glasgow, S Whiteley; Leeds, J. Singleton (President of the Society) and A. Fletcher; London, A. H. Mathews and T. C. Nicholson; Manchester, J. W. Brooks and W. H. Jones; Newcastle, J. H. Laidler, G. W. Bale, and W. C. Gibson; Sheffield, G. W. Dawson and D. Summerfield.

YORKSHIRE DISTRICT.

The monthly meeting of the Yorkshire District will be held at the Leeds Institute, Cookridge street, Leeds, on 12th December, commencing at 6 30 p.m. A paper, entitled "Cheques," will be given by Mr E. Wilson, Halifax, and a discussion thereon will be opened by Mr W. Gaunt, Leeds. A criticism lesson on "The vocalization of the pl and pr series" will be given by Mr F. H. Daphne, Otley, and a discussion will be opened by Mr W. Clarkson, Leeds. A cordial invitation to attend is given to all ccmmercial teachers in the district, whether members of the society or not.

LONDON AND THE PROVINCES.

The Editor will be greatly obliged by receiving marked copies of any local journals that contain paragraphs or comments on subjects likely to be of interest to the readers of this Journal.

On 20th Nov., in connection with the speed classes held by the Bristol S.W.A. at the Church Missionary Society, 33 Park street, the President, Mr A. J. Tonkin, read the first paper in the history of the society, entitled "Was Dickens unjust to Women?" In the course of a long and interesting paper, Mr Tonkin contended that Dickens was not unjust, and observed that to have been unjust Dickens must have created them wrongfully and contrary to right, and he ventured to think that he had not done this. Dickens's portraits of women were studies from life. A vote of thanks to Mr Tonkin was passed on the proposition of Mr R. W Martin. It is proposed to hold an examination for Pitman's Speed Certificate on Tuesday, 15th Dec. Non-members who desire to avail themselves of this opportunity, are requested to kindly communicate with the Secretary, Mr G. T. Payne, 13 Milsom street, Stapleton road, Bristol.

The examination held recently in connection with M Lay's Commercial School, Falkirk, was, like previous examinations, highly successful, even though some of the pupils were but 14 years of age, and had been only six months under the care of the school. Miss J. Brotherton received highest marks, having attained in shorthand a speed of 100 words per minute; typewriting, 90 per cent.; book-keeping, 90 per cent. Among others who passed in shorthand at a speed of 100 words were: Misses L. Norvel, L. Morrison, and M. Wilson. At 90 words, Misses L. Binnie, A. Steel, M. Davidson, K. Thompson, and I. Draper; 80 words, Mr R. Milne and Mr W. Cunningham. Typewriting students passed at a speed of 50 words per minute, but speeds were obtained of 60, 65, and 70 words. Among those successful were Misses J. Scobbie, Binnie, Steel, Norval, Morrison, Wilson, Davidson, Thomson and Draper. Book-keeping and Commercial Arithmetic-These papers were set on the principles of the Society of Arts, preparatory to the March examinations. The highest marks were obtained by Misses Brotherton, Binnie, Struth, Steel and Rule.

LONDON (T.S).

On Saturday, 12th December, at St Bride's Institute, Ludgate Circus, Sir George Kekewich, K.C. B., will give an address on The Educational Value of Poonography." Proceedings commence at 3 o'clock, and interested visitors will be welcomed.

Knowles, M.P., on his having recently had the honour of a Baronetcy conferred on him by His Majesty. Mr J. H. Jones then read a paper on "The Landscapes at the City Art Gallery" (Manchester), which was much appreciated by the members. Mr A. H. Gilbertson, W. Harrison, F. Horrobin and the Chairman joined in the discussion which followed.

exter sion over the maximum age in nearly all Civil Service competitions, and they compete among themselves for all the vacancies for Assistant Clerks (Abstractors). C. I. could, of course, sit for Learners G.P.O.-T. X., aged 17, can write shorthand at 60 words per minute, and earns 10s. per week in the office of a factory. He asks, would he improve his position if he went in for the Civil Service; if so, what should he enter, and what would be the cost? He should obtain " Cassell's Guide to Employment in the Civil Service" (price is. net) and decide for himself for what post he is fitted. The main difficulty in obtaining a Civil Service appointment is, of course, the competitive examination which precedes it. The cost would depend upon one's knowledge and ability, but, presuming these, success cannot be secured by a morey payment, as was formerly the case with Army Commissions.

INSPECTOR OF Weights and MEASURES -R. J. asks several questions with regard to the examination subjects and the books to study. The subjects required are: reading aloud; writing; arithmetic, including vulgar and decimal fractiors, mensuration, and all kinds of weights and measures; elemer tary mechanics; physics; and practical verification of weights, measures, and weighing machines. Our correspondent had better get " Notes to Candidates" (3d., post-free), from the Superintendent of Weights and Measures, 7 Old Palace Yard, Westminster, S. W., for further particulars. The appointments (like Sanitary Inspectorships) have no possible connection with the Civil Service; they are worth from £100 to £150 a year, on an average, and are in the gift of the various County Councils. Courcils usually require candidates to furnish such paper evidence of their capability.

BOY CLERKSHIPS EXAMINATION.-H. S. B, who inquires about the next examination for Boy Clerks, will find one for 300 appointments annourced for the first week in February. If old enough, he should sit. A specimen of the copying manuscript is found in each set of Boy Clerks' papers, which may be obtained, price 61. per set from Eyre and Spattiswoode direct, or ordered through any bookseller. Practising from other manuscripts than these (or photo-lithographed copies of these) is waste of time. Pitman's Metropolitan School has a special course for the next Boy Clerks' examination.

EXAMINATION IN ENGLISH.-P. E. inquires whether there is any examination in English for which he could prepare himself, and as to suitable books, and so forth.-Our correspondent would find a course of study with a view to sitting for the examination in English held by the Society of Arts next spring most advantageous. Postal lessons from Pitman's Metropolitan School would form an excellent preparation.

HANDWRITING.-P. V R. A. writes a fairly legible hand, but should join the letters of words without lifting the pen, should write the letters of more even size, and should give up the practice of looping small t, capitals also require attention.-G. O R. might improve his writing by the study of Pitman's "Business Handwriting" (price 18.).- Carfax can develop his handwriting into a good commercial style by the use of the book just mentioned, which he informs us he has procured. Our correspondent writes small a, o and s and some other letters too small, while r is not sufficiently distinctive.-Tryer's handwriting is fairly good, but his looped letters should be longer and more carefully formed, and he does not make the long strokes in p, d, etc, sufficiently long; small k should be written in the correct form, and attention paid to capitals.-Sunshine's handwriting is good, but he should avoid exaggerated loops and flourishes; capital should be written without the unnecessary horizontal stroke in the middle.E. F. needs instruction from a teacher, but if this cannot be procured, he should get the book recommended above.-J. R's. handwriting is very satisfactory having regard to his age; he should cultivate the larger style.- Robinson Crusoe writes a better and more regular style when he adopts upright writing than when giving his handwriting the ordinary slope; he must be careful, however, not to develop a backward slope, but to keep to a distinctly upright hand; this would be deemed suitable for

business.

MISCELLANEOUSs.-Tryer should persevere with the study of the "Instructor"; he can test his skill now by sitting for Pitman's Elementary Certificate (see application form forwarded by post). When the study of the Corresponding Style is completed (Chaps. I.-XXVI.), there should be some practice for speed before taking up the Reporting Style, and there should be regular speed practice concurrently with the study of the remainder of

46

the book. Our correspondent is correct in his assumption about theShorthand Dictionary.' For home study of book-keeping, use "Pitman's Primer of Book-keeping," Key," and set of exercise books (togetber 2s. 8d.). For a similar purpose E. F. should procure the set just recommended.-We regret that there is nothing that we can recommend to Spare Time; he should take no notice of advertisements which offer home work on receipt of a remittance. Is there nothing our correspondent can obtain locally?-The back Rob Roy desires is "How to Become a Private Secretary" (Fisher Unwin, price is).- Inspector of Poor is informed that we know of no such appointment as "inspector of the poor.' Clerks to Parish Councils are appointed by those bodies; there are no special educational qualifications, and in most instances the man best suited for the post, in the opinion of the Council, is selected.—Sarus is informed that the author <f Many Thoughts of Many Minds" is H. Southgate, the publishers are Messrs C. Griffin & Co., 12 Essex street, Strand, London, W.C. "Cassell's Latin-English and English-Latin Dictionary" (price 35. 6d.) would suit. We do not advise Durnovarian to take up the course about which he ir quires -The word W.B.W.ir quires about is a noun; the parts of speech of any words may be ascertained on reference to an English Dictionary.-A. B. would do well to continue the study of French; he could take up Spanish afterwards. There is no periodical of the kind for which our correspondent inquires.- For acte-taking in a railway office Robinson Crusce needs an acquaintance with the Reporting Style; without that knowledge it would not be possible for him to attain to the requisite speed.-M. M's. inquiry is somewhat indefinite; in order to qualify herself for employment in a business office she would need a course of training at a business school.-In answer to W. F., the only organ of building societies is the Building Societies Gazette and Land Companies' Record, published by T. A. Reed and Co., 37 Cursitor street, London, EC., price 2ð. monthly. We know of no work on colliery book-keeping such as D. J. C. inquires for.-We will make inquiries relative to the question of Cyclos.-Answers to a number of other queries will appear next week.

PITMAN'S SHORTHAND CERTIFICATES. The following Certificates are issued :

THIRD CLASS or Elementary CERTIFICATE, for thorough know. ledge of the "Phonographic Teacher"; "Shorthand Primer, Book L"; or 20th Cent." Manual" or "Instructor," as far as Chap. xvii. Fee 6d. Every student after having worked through the "Teacher" is recommended to test his knowledge by applying for this Certificate.

SECOND CLASS OR THEORY CERTIFICATE, for a thorough knowledge of the 20th Cent. "Manual"; or "Instructor," Chaps, i-xxvi. ; or “Shorthand Primer, Book II." Fee 25. FIRST CLASS OR SPEED CERTIFICATE. Speed Certificates are granted for 60 words per minute and upwards. Fee is. 6d. FULL CERTIFICATE OF PROFICIENCY.-When a Second Class Certificate and a First Class Certificate for 80 words have been obtained, a Full Certificate is issued, certifying that the holder has a thorough theoretical and practical knowledge of Phonography. Fee Is.

TEACHER'S Certificate.-A Shorthand Teacher's Certificate is issued to candidates after examination. Fee, 55.

Forms of Application for the above Certificates, containing full particulars, can be had gratis and post-free from any of the Offices of Sir Isaac Pitman & Sons, Ltd.

NOTICES.

Each Notice should be written on one side only of a separate piece of paper. Every Notice under the head of Correspondence must give full name and address.

Corespondents are requested to write their address clearly in ordinary longhand. If they wish to receive replies in Phonography, a star should be attached to the name; thus, John Smith.*

Notices of all kinds must reach Bath at least eleven days before the date of the Journal for which they are intended.

Every communication addressed to the Editor of this Journal must be authenticated by the name and address of the writer.

Exercises Corrected Gratis (enclose stamped and addressed envelope) by
Miller L. E., 293 Southampton st., Camberwell, London, S.E.
Wimpenny L. H., 65 Winchelsea rd., Tottenham, London, N.

[2]

Correspondence, etc. 1d. per line of ten words. Correspondence desired either in longhand or shorthard, with a stamp collector in Ma'ta, or Gibraltar. Thomas Price, 14 Platt's crescent, Stourbridge, England. [51]