ABSTRACT
We stand at the latest point in a very long tradition. We say “latest point” because we are confident that it is not the end of a tradition, but rather part of a new and growing beginning. In this chapter, we want to trace this tradition from its instigation in Classical times, through the Middle Ages, and up to the 1994 Practical Aspects of Memory Conference. We think that such an historical tour is valuable, as well as interesting. It exposes the roots of our endeavour—specifically, in taking part in this conference, and generally, in all of our work to extend our wider knowledge of practical aspects of memory. In particular, it raises issues concerning the factors that have always influenced the applied study of memory.
