It
appears in the study of simple as well as of complex objects, and
indicates clearly the fundamental rhythm of the mind in acquiring and
elaborating its knowledge. This action of the mind is a shuttle-like
movement, a constant running back and forth between two extremes,
_absorption_ and _reflection_. We will test this statement upon
examples. When we are in the mood for learning let some new object, a
_sawmill_, attract the attention. A quick general glance at the place
and its surroundings tells us what it is. Now trace the operation of
the mill as it draws up the logs singly from the rafts lying on the
margin of the river and converts them into lumber. You observe first
how the logs are carried up an inclined slide by means of an endless
chain with hooks, into the mill. You examine this first piece of
machinery and notice its mode of action. As the logs enter the upper
story of the mill, they are thrown by heavy levers to either side and
roll down toward the saws. Here is another piece of machinery in its
proper place. Having been stripped of the loose pieces of bark, the
logs are grasped by another set of iron hands, lifted firmly to the
carriage and passed to the circular or band-saw, which takes off the
side slabs and squares them for the gang-saw.
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