MEMORANDUM, a term implying a note, or mark, made either on paper or otherwise, with a view to assist the memory.
In the present artificial state of society, the convenience of a memorandum-book is obvious to every person engaged in active pursuits. And, though the utility of such a measure be universally acknowledged, yet there is reason to believe that it is not so extensively practised as it justly deserves. Those, who reflect on the fleeting nature of human thought, and on the importance of remembering the train of ideas which lead to a certain conclusion, will readily admit, that annotations might be rendered equally interesting and useful, if they were extended to that department of human affairs, which more immediately relates to the operations of the human mind.—Thus, if every striking idea, whether of an economical or intellectual tendency, were duly registered, and digested, when a more favourable opportunity offers, incalculable benefit would thence result to society. Hence we presume to suggest to those who are accustomed fo reflect and attend to the progress of their reasoning (when in solitude, as well as in the common intercourse of life), to note and record in a particular journal, all such sentiments and opinions, as appear to be worthy of being preserved.—See also Journal.