Never did a mind more inflexibly set aside the occupation or thought which did not come at the right day or hour, never was one more ardent in seeking it, more alert in its pursuit, more capable of fixing it when the time came to take it up." He himself said later on:[1146] "Various subjects and affairs are stowed away in my brain as in a chest of drawers.

When I want to take up any special business I shut one drawer and open another.

None of them ever get mixed, and never does this incommode me or fatigue me.

If I feel sleepy I shut all the drawers and go to sleep." Never has brain so disciplined and under such control been seen, one so ready at all times for any task, so capable of immediate and absolute concentration.

Its flexibility[1147] is wonderful, "in the instant application of every faculty and energy, and bringing them all to bear at once on any object that concerns him, on a mite as well as on an elephant, on any given individual as well as on an enemy's army.