The Value of Good Notes.

The subject of taking notes, suggested by an article which was published recently in the CRIMSON, is an interesting, as well as a puzzling one. It is probably quite true that too many do not realize the real importance of taking good notes, and that, as Snodkins has been represented as doing, a large number of men pass the recitation hour in playing with their pencils, sketching in their note books, and taking down only occasional references that the lecturer gives out.

That note taking is an important element of study is shown by the fact that some of the instructors in college examine the note books of those in their sections, and assign marks which are made to count a certain percentage of the year's total. Just now important an element of study note taking is, perhaps it is hard to say. Doubtless the instructor regards a good note-book in a certain degree as an index of good attendance, and good work. The value to the student is here seen in the mark that he gets. But marks cannot be regarded as anything like accurate measures of value. The mark the student gets is one thing, and the reactionary influence he gets from the mere fact of his taking notes is another, that is quite different, and undoubtedly more important.

By taking notes the student has the subject more strongly impressed upon him. To write a thing is almost to remember it; to have classifications and diversions, chapters and paragraphs in visible form on paper, is to give to them more decided shape in the mind, and therefore, greater possibility of being readily comprehended. The careful note-taker is a sort of artist, and in a page covered with paragraphs, and sub-paragraphs, a-b.c's and 1-2-3's he sees a picture, a closer scrutiny of which reveals to him the thought and life that it represents. Who knows the meaning of a painting better than the painter? Who knows the meaning of a written page better than the writer?

It has already been suggested that taking notes aids the memory. Not a few men claim that this aid to the memory is the most valuable return that they get for their trouble of taking notes. But, be that as it may, still another advantage must suggest itself.

Whoever takes notes with care, even copying them after each day's lecture, is surely well repaid by what he has as a result of his labor at the end of the year. To own books is rightly deemed a great advantage. It is more true of making books. If to own is to profit. A carefully written, and thoroughly indexed note-book is invaluable. The student who knows how to take notes, and is ready to apply what he knows, can make for himself the most valuable part of his library.

These thoughts necessarily lead us to two conclusions,- first, that students should endeavor to master the art of note-taking, and at the same time, be constant in using it; and second, that colleges should afford the students some aid, giving, if necessary, some instruction in note-taking. Stenography is a great aid to thorough note-taking; and if the colleges would only offer some instruction in stenography no one can estimate of what value it would be to the students.