Improving Visual Memory
I’ve often wished for a book of all the things I’ve ever known. Unfortunately, no such book exists, so I’m stuck with just what lasts in memory. So naturally my interest was piqued when I came across the following article about a substance which boosts production of a protein called RGS-14 in the visual cortex and seems to improve visual memory.
http://io9.com/5306489/a-drug-that-could-give-you-perfect-visual-memory
Now this isn’t anything available to the public or even close to such a release, how interesting would it be if we really could obtain perfect visual memory from a pill. I wonder how many would take it.
I’ve often been told by people with exceptional memories that such recall is more of a curse than a blessing. I’ve been told that I’m lucky not to remember every horrible thing I’ve ever seen or experienced. But even so, I would choose to remember more. It’s always felt to me like forgetfulness just cheats you out of too much life, and too much knowledge. I want those experiences, those sights, those moments back, all of them.
And of course, I can’t help but wonder as a medical artist, what might be achieved there. If I could remember every contour of every dissection I’ve ever seen. If I could perfectly recount the movements and structure of every person I had ever met. Well it just seems like someone like me could do an awful lot with a talent like that.
And if nothing else, maybe I could save myself a little time by always knowing where I last left my keys.
