THE MAJOR SYSTEM p1

The Major system is the ultimate in the development of the
peg systems discussed earlier. It is a system which has been in
use for over 400 years, although it has been continually
improved since the middle of the 17th century, when it was
introduced by Stanislaus Mink von Wesnnsshein. Von
Wennsshein's basic construction was modified in the early
18th century by Doctor Richard Grey, an Englishman.
The system makes use of a different consonant or consonant
sound for each number from zero to ten as follows:
1 = t, d, th
2 = n
3 = m
4 = r
6 = j, sh, ch, dg, soft g
7 = k, ch, hard c, hard g, ng, q
8 = f,v
9 = p,b
o = s, z, soft c
To save you the trouble of remembering these by rote, there
are simple little remembering devices:
1. The letters t and d have one down stroke.
2. The letter n has two down strokes.-
3. The letter m has three down strokes.
4. The letter r is the last letter in the word four.
5. The letter 1 can be thought of as either the roman numeral
for 50 or the shape of a spread hand which has five spread
fingers.
6. The letter L is the mirror image of 6.
7. The letter k, when seen as a capital, contains two number
sevens!
8. The letter f, when written, has two loops; similar to the
number 8.
9. The letter p is the mirror image of 9.
10. s or z is the first sound of the word zero; 'o' is the last
letter.
As with the Number-Sound and Number-Shape systems,
our task is to create a visual image that can immediately and
permanently be linked with the number it represents.
Let us take for example the number 1. In order to assign to
it a memory word we have to think of a word that is a good
visual image and that contains only 't', 'd' or 'th' and a vowel
sound. Examples include 'toe', 'doe', tea', 'the' and many
others. When recalling the word we had chosen for number 1,
let us say 'tea', we would know that it could represent only the
number 1 because the consonant letters in the word represent
no other number, and vowels do not count as numbers in our
system.
Let us try another example: the number 34. In this case we
have first the number three which is represented by the letter
'm' and then 4 which is represented by the letter 'r'. Examples
can include 'more', 'moor', 'mire' and 'mare'. In selecting the
'best' word for this number you once again make use of the
alphabetic dictionary-order to assist both in choice of word
and in recall.
The letters we have to choose are 'm' and 'r', so we simply
mentally run through the vowels 'a-e-i-o-u' order using the
first vowel that enables us to make an adequate memory word.
The case in question is easily solved, as 'a' fits in between 'm'
and V to direct us towards the word 'mare"
The advantage of using this alphabet-order system is that
should a word in the major system ever be forgotten it can
literally be 'worked out' from the basic information. All you
have to do is to place the letters of the number in their correct
order and then 'slot in' the vowels. As soon as you touch the
correct combination your memory-word will immediately
come to mind.
Before going on, jot down the numbers from 10 to 19, letting
the letter t represent in each case the '1' of the number. Next
try to complete the words, using the alphabet-order system for
these numbers.
Don't worry if this exercise proves a little difficult, as just
over the page you will find a complete list of memory words for
the numbers 1 to 100. Don't simply accept them—check each
one carefully, changing any that you find difficult to visualise
or for which you have a better substitute.
You now possess a peg memory system for the numbers
from 1 to 100—a system which contains within itself the
pattern for its own memorisation! As you will have seen, this
system is basically limitless. In other words, now that we have
letters for the numbers 0-9, it should be possible for us to
devise memory words for the numbers not only for 1 to 100 but
also for the numbers from 100 to 1,000! This system could of
course go on for ever but I doubt that anyone would need
more than 1,000 peg words.
On the pages that follow I have devised a list of key memory
peg words for the numbers 100 to 1,000. After certain of the
more 'difficult' words I have included either:
1. A suggestion for a way in which an image might be
formed from the word.
2. A dictionary definition of the word, the definition includ-
ing words or ideas that should help you to form your image.
3. 'New' definitions for words which place them in a
humourous, or different, but certainly more memorisable
form.
The remaining words have blank spaces following them. In
the space provided you should write in your own key words for,
or ideas about, the image you will be using.
In some cases, where the combination of letters makes the
use of single words impossible, double words have been used
such as Wo Cash' for the number 276, (n, hard c, sh).
In other cases it is necessary to include vowels (which have
no numerical meaning) at the beginning of the word. For
example the number 394 (m, p, r) is represented by the word
'empire'.
In still further cases words have been used, the first three
letters only of which pertain to the number. For example the
number 359 (m, 1, b) is represented by the word 'mailbag'. The
final 'g' has no significance or importance.
Your next task should be to check carefully this Major
System list. It would obviously be too much to ask you to do
this at one sitting, so I suggest the more modest goal of
checking, making images for, and remembering, a hundred
words each day. As you go through the list make every effort to
make your images of the words as solid as you possibly can.
26. NICHE
1. TEA
2. NOAH
3. MA
4. RAY
5. LAW
6. JAW
7. KEY
8. FOE
9. PA
10. TOES
11. TATE (the Art Gallery)
12. TAN
13. TAM
14. TAR
15. TAIL
16. TAJ (Mahal)
17. TACK
18. TOFFEE
19. TAP
20. NOSE
21. NET
22. NAN
23. NAME
24. NERO
25. NAIL
26. NICHE
27. NECK
28. NAVE
29. NAP
30. MACE
31. MAT
32. MAN
33. MAMA
34. MARE
35. MALE
36. MASH
37. MAC
38. MAFIA
39. MAP
40. RACE
41. RAT
42. RAIN
43. RAM
44. REAR
45. RAIL
46. RASH
47. RACK
48. RAVE
49. RAPE
50. LACE
51. LAD
52. LANE
53. LAMB
54. LAIR
55. LILY
56. LASH
57. LAKE
58. LAUGH
59. LAP
60. CHASE
61. CHAT
62. CHAIN
63. CHIME
64. CHAIR
65. CHILL
66. JUDGE
67. CHECK
68. CHAFF
69. CHAP
70. CASE
71. CAT
72. CAN
73. CAM (Shaft)
74. CAR
75. CALL
76. CAGE
77. CAKE
78. CAFE
79. CAB
80. FACE
81. FAT
82. FAN
83. FOAM
84. FAIR
85. FALL
86. FISH
87. FAKE
88. FIFE
89. FOB
90. BASE
91. BAT
92. BAN
93. BEAM
94. BAR
95. BALL
96. BASH
97. BACK
98. BEEF
99. BABE
100. DISEASE
Even when words refer to ideas or concepts, bring them down
to a more immediately imaginistic level For example the numbe
368, represented by the memory words 'much force' should
, not be pictured as some vague power or energy in space, bu
should be solidified into an image in which much force is used
to, accomplish or destroy, etc. In other words in each of these
cases you will be attempting to make the memory word as
visual and as memorable as possible. Remember the four rules
in the early chapter: Exaggerate; Move; Substitute; be
Absurd.
In cases where words are similar in concept to previous
words, it is most important to make your images as different
as possible. The same caution applies to words which are
pluralised because of the addition of V. In these cases imagine
an enormous number of the items as opposed to a single
enormous item.
You will find your consolidation of the words in the major
system useful not only because it will enable you to remember
the astounding number of 1,000 items in order or randomly,
but also because it will exercise your creative Unking ability
which is so necessary for remembering anything.
In addition, a number of the words used as mnemonics in
this Major System are interesting in their own right. As you
check through and memorise each list of 100, have a dictionary
by your side—it will serve as a means of solidifying the images
for you, will enable you to select the best possible images or
words and will be of value in the improvement of your general
vocabulary ! If you are also reading my book Speed Reading
combine where feasible the vocabulary exercises included in it
with your exercises on the Major System.
100. Dust.
101. Design.
102. Disease.
103. Dismay.
104. Desert.______________________________________
105. Dazzle.
106. Discharge.
107. Disc.
108. Deceive. •
109. Despair.
110. Dates. Succulent, sticky fruit, often eaten at
Christmas.
111. Deadwood. Decayed, often twisted remains of tree
112. Deaden.
113. Diadem. A crown; a wreath of leaves or flowers
worn around the head.
114. Daughter.
115. Detail.
116. Detach.
117. Toothache.
118. Dative. Nouns which express giving.
119. Deathbed.
120. Tennis.
121. Dent.
122. Denun. To take a nun or nuns away from a
place or situation.
123. Denim. A very tough fabric used for making
working clothes.
124. Dinner.
125. Downhill.
126. Danish. A native of Denmark; like the Great
Dane dog.
127. Dank. Unpleasantly soaked or damp; marshy
or swampy.
128. Downfall.
129. Danube. The river (or picture waltzing to the
Blue Danube).
130. Demise. The death of a sovereign.
131. Domed. Having a large, rounded summit, as a
head or a church.
132. Demon.
133. Demi-monde. The fringe of Society.
134. Demure. '
135. Dimly. -
136. Damage.
137. Democracy.
138. Dam full.
139. Damp.
140. Dress. (It may be helpful here to imagine the
garment on a man.)
141. Dart.
142. Drain.
143. Dram.
144. Drawer.
145. Drill.
146. Dredge. Apparatus for bringing up mud (or
oysters) from the sea or river bottom.
147- Drag.
148. Drive.
149. Drip.
150. Deluxe.
151. Daylight.
152. Delinquent.
153. Dilemma. A position leaving a choice which is
usually between two evils.
154. Dealer.
155. Delilah. Temptress; false and wily woman
(Samson).
156. Deluge. A great flood; Noah's flood.
157. Delicacy.
158. Delphi. The Greek town in which was the
sanctuary of the oracle.
159. Tulip. •
160. Duchess.
161. Dashed.
162. Dudgeon. Strong anger, resentment or feeling of
offence.
163. Dutchman.
164. Dodger. A wily, tricky, elusive person.
165. Dash light: (Imagine the dash light in your car.)
166. Dishwash. Abbreviation for dishwashing machine.
167. De choke. (Reverse the image of choke, either in
relation to a car or to strangling
someone!)
168. Dishevel. To make the hair or clothes loose, dis-
ordered, 'flung about'.
169. Dish-up. To serve food—usually applied to a
slap-dash manner.
170. Decks.
171. Decade.
172. Token.
173. Decamp. (Imagine confusion in the dismantling
of tents, etc.)
174. Decree. An order made by an authority
demanding some kind of action.
175. Ducal. (Imagine anything similar to or looking
like a Duke.)
176. Puckish.
177. Decaying.
178. Take-off.
179. Decapitate.
180. Deface.
181. Defeat.
182. Divan.
183. Defame. To speak evil of; to slander.
184. Diver.
185. Defile.
186. Devotion.
187. Defeat.
188. Two Frisky Fillies. (Imagine them in a field or
memorable enclosure.)
189. Two Frightened Boys. (Perhaps being chased by
188!)
190. Debase. To lower in character, quality, or value.
191. Debate.
192. Debone. To pick the bones out of—usually from
193. Whitebeam. A tree with long, silvery underleaves.
194. Dipper. (Imagine the Big Dipper star
constellation.)
195. Dabble.
196. Debauch. To corrupt or lead astray, from
temperance or chastity.
197. Dipping. (Imagine someone being dipped forcibly
into water, as the medieval torture.)
198. Dab off. (Imagine a stain or blood being
'dabbed off' with cotton wool.)
199. Depip. To take the pips out of (imagine a
pomegranate!).
200. Nieces.
201. Nosed. Sniffed or smelled out—often applied
to hunting animals.
202. Insane.
203. Noisome. Harmful, noxious, ill-smelling.
204. Noser. A very strong headwind.
205. Nestle.
206. Incision. A clean cutting of something, as with a
doctor's scalpel.
207. Nosegay. A bunch of sweet-scented flowers.
208. Unsafe.
209. Newsboy.
210. Notice.
211. Needed.
212. Indian.
213. Anatomy.
214. Nadir. The lowest point; place or time of
great depression.
215. Needle.
216. Night-watch.
217. Antique.
218. Native.
219. Nit-boy. A boy who is always doing addle-
headed things.
220. Ninnies. A group of people with weak minds;
Simpletons.
221. Ninth. (Imagine the ninth hole of a golf
course.)
222. Ninon. A light-weight dress fabric made of
silk.
223. Noname. (Imagine a person who has forgotten
his name.)
224. Nunnery.
225. Union-hall.
226. Nunish. Pertaining to, or like a nun.
227. Non-aqua. Having nothing at all to do with water.
228. Nineveh.
229. Ninepin. One of nine upright pieces of wood to
be knocked down in the game of
ninepins. __
230. Names.
231. Nomad.
232. Nominee. A person nominated for a position or
• office.
233. No Ma'am.
234. Enamour. To bring to life, to animate with love.
235. Animal.
236. No mash. (Imagine a saucepan which has just
been emptied of mashed potatoes.)
237. Unmake
238. Nymph. A beautiful, mythological maiden,
always young.
239. Numb.
240. Nurse.
241. Narrate.
242. No run.
243. Norm. A standard; a set pattern to be
maintained.
244. Narrower.
245. Nearly.
246. Nourish.
247. New York.
248. Nerve.
249. Nearby.
250. Nails.
251. Nailed. .
252. Nylon.
253. New Loam. Freshly-turned rich and fertile soil.
254. Kneeler.
255. Nail-hole.
256. Knowledge.
257. Nailing
258. Nullify. To cancel, to neutralize, to quash.
259. Unlab. To dismantle a scientific laboratory.
260. Niches. Vertical recesses in a wall to contain
a statue.
261. Unshod.
262. Nation.
263. Unjam.
264. Injure.
265. Unshell. To extract a living organism from its
shell
266. Nosh shop. (Imagine the school tuck-shop or
something similar.)
267. No Joke. A 'joke' that falls flat.
268. Unshaved.
269. Unship. (Imagine a great crowd of people being
ordered off a ship.)
270. Necks.
271. Naked.
272. Noggin. A small mug and/or its contents.
273. Income. ________________
274. Anchor.
275. Nickel. A grey metal related to cobalt; an
1
American coin worth about 2 / n.p.
2
276. No Cash. (Imagine someone fumbling in his
pockets in order to pay a restaurant
bill)
277. Knocking.
278. Encave. To confine to a dark place; to keep in a
cave.
279. Uncap. (Imagine schoolboys stealing each
others caps.)
280. Nephews.
281. Nevada.
282. Uneven.
283. Unfirm.
284. Never.
285. Navel.
286. Knavish. Having the characteristics of a roguish
trickster; a deceitful and dishonest man.
287. Invoke. To address in prayer; to implore
assistance or protection.
288. Unfavourable.
289. Enfeeble. To make extremely weak and unable to
function.
290. Nibs.
291. Unpod. To take from the pod, as peas.
292. New Pan. (Imagine a brilliantly shiny frying pan.)
293. New Beam. (Imagine the first beam ever from the
sun.)
294. Neighbour.
295. Nibble. ,
296. Nippish.
297. Unpack. •,
298. Unpaved.
299. Nabob. A wealthy, luxurious person, especially
one returned from India with a fortune.
300. Moses.
301. Mast
302. Mason. One who cuts, builds, and prepares
with stone.
303. Museum.
304. Miser.
305. Missile.
306. Massage.
307. Mask.
308. Massive.
309. Mishap.
310. Midas. The king who craved for gold.
311. Mid-day.
312. Maiden.
313. Madam.
314. Motor.
315. Medal. -
316. Modish. In the style of the current fashion.
317. Medic.
318. Midwife.
319. Mudpie.
320. Manse. The home of a Presbyterian minister.
321. Mend.
322. Minion. Favourite child, servant or animal;
slave.
323. Minim. A creature of the smallest size or
importance; a musical note.
324. Manner.
325. Manila.
326. Manage.
327. Maniac.
328. Manful. Brave, resolute, bold; with man's best
qualities.
329. Monopoly. The sole power of trading; exclusive
possession; a popular board-game.
330. Maims.
331. Mammouth.
332. Mammon. The Syrian God of riches; wordly
wealth.
333. My Mum. '
334. Memory.
335. Mammal.
336. My match.
337. Mimic.
338. Mummify. To preserve the body by embalming.
339. Mump.
340. Mars.
341. Maraud. To make a plunderous raid; to go about
pilfering.
342. Marine.
343. Miriam.
344. Mirror.