As regularly as the air is drawn
into the lungs and again expelled, so regularly does the mind lose
itself in its absorption with objects only to recover itself and
reflect upon them.
In the inspection of a large _printing press_ in one of our newspaper
publishing-houses we meet with a similar experience. The attention
becomes centered upon the press for a close analysis and synthesis of
its parts. The cogs, wheels, rollers, inking-plate, the chases for the
type, the application of the power, the springs and levers, each part
receives a close inspection, and the secret of its connection with
other parts is sought for. There is a vigorous effort not only to
understand each part but also the connection of the whole. The
shuttle-like movement of the mind back and forth between the parts,
absorbed for a moment, reflecting for a moment, continues until the
complex mechanism is understood. When this process has been
satisfactorily completed, we are ready to turn our minds again to the
other objects and rooms of the printing establishment. The work of the
compositors, setting up different kinds of type, the proof-reading, the
editorial work, the reporters, all come in for a share of attention.
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