Britannica AI Icon

loci et res

mnemonic method
Also known as: method of loci

Quick Summary

The term "loci et res" refers to a mnemonic method that combines a familiar structure (locus) with the item or thing to be remembered (res). This technique, also known as the method of loci, involves creating an artificial structure in the mind to aid memory.1

Method of Loci

The most common approach is to visualize a familiar place, such as a large house, and mentally associate specific items or ideas with different parts of that place (e.g., rooms, furniture). To recall the information, one mentally walks through the visualized location to retrieve the associated items. This method was used by the ancient Greeks and Romans and is an effective way to remember a series of items. "Loci" is the plural of "locus," meaning place.123

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
3 Britannica Sources
  1. mnemonic
  2. loci
  3. loci

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.