Fractions may be set down in the fol lowing manner ; let r signify the line se parating the numerator and denominator, the first coming before, the other after it ; as iro 4, wp 4, pourag &c. When the numerator is 1, or unit, it need not be expressed, but begin the fraction with r; as re rii • &a So in decimals, An' rath t • This is the principal part of the me thod which consists in expressing num bers by artificial words. The application to history and chronology is also perform ed by artificial words. The art herein consists in making such a change in the ending of the name of a place, person, planet, coin, &c. without altering the be ginning of it, as shall readily suggest the thing sought, at the same time that the beginning of the word, being preserved, shall be a leading or prompting syllable to the ending of it so changed. Thus, in order to remember the years in which Cyrus, Alexander; and Julius Cesar, founded their respective mo narchies, the following words may be formed; for Cyrus, Cyruia; for Alexander, Alexita ; for Julius Cesar, Julios. Uts signifies, according to the powers assign ed to tie letters before mentioned, 536; 331, and os is 46. Hence it will be
• easy to remember, that the empire of Cyrus was founded 536 years before Christ, that of Alexander, 331, and that of Julius Cesar, 46. This account is taken from a treatise entitled " A New Method of Artificial Memory;" where the reader will find several examples in chronology, geography, &c. of such arti ficial words disposed in verses, which must be allowed to contribute much to the assistance of the memory, since, be. ing once learned, they are seldom or never forgot. However, the author ad vises his reader to form the words and verses himself, in the manner described above, as he will probably re mcmb er th ese better than those formed by another.
Be this as it will, we shall here give his table of the kings of England since the Conquest ; where one thousand being added to the italics in each word, ex presses the year when they began their reigns. Thus Wilionsan, Rufkoi, Hen-rag.
Btephtra & Hensectruf, Richbein, Jann, Hethdas, & Eddoisl.
Edsetyp, Edtertes, Riseteip, Ileforeen, Hefifadque.
Hensifed, Edquarfauz, Efi Rokt, Hen sepfeil, Hencielyn.
Edsexios, Marylut, Elsluk, Jameed, Ca roprimeeL Carsecrok, Jamseif,