Pelmanism

British  

/ ˈpɛlməˌnɪzəm /

noun

1. a system of training to improve the memory

2. Also called: pairs.   concentration.  (often not capital) a memory card game in which a pack of cards is spread out face down and players try to turn up pairs with the same number

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Etymology

Origin of Pelmanism

named after the Pelman Institute, founded in London in 1898

Example Sentences

Pelmanism was still being promoted as late as the 1960s, but has since sunk into obscurity, becoming merely a curious chapter in the history of psychology.

From Nature • Mar. 1, 2016

“New Minds for Old in 12 Weeks!” proclaimed adverts for Pelmanism, a brain-training technique that swept the United Kingdom in the early part of the twentieth century.

From Nature • Mar. 1, 2016

An advert for Pelmanism, a brain-training technique that became popular in the early twentieth century.

From Nature • Mar. 1, 2016

And, as with Pelmanism, a lucrative industry has grown up around the idea that cognitive performance can be enhanced by training.

From Nature • Mar. 1, 2016

He's very vague about it, but has been learning Pelmanism, so I know he's going to be something.

From I'll Leave It To You A Light Comedy In Three Acts by Coward, Noel