System of Analysis

When you wish to discover what you really know regarding a thing, ask yourself the following     questions about it, examining each point in detail, and endeavoring to bring before the mind     your full knowledge regarding that particular point. Fill in the deficiencies by reading some good  work of reference, an encyclopedia for instance; or consulting a good dictionary, or both:

I. Where did it come from, or originate?
II. What caused it?
III. What history or record has it?
IV. What are its attributes, qualities 
V. What things can I most readily associate with it? What is it most like?
VI. What is it good for--how may it be used--what can I do with it?
VII. What does it prove--what can be deduced from it?
VIII. What are its natural results-what happens because of it?
IX. What is its future; and its natural or probable end or finish?
X. What do I think of it, on the whole--what are my general impressions regarding it?
XI. What do I know about it, in the way of general information?
XII. What have I heard about it, and from whom, and when?
Ask yourself the following questions regarding the thing under consideration. It will draw out many bits of information and associated knowledge in your mind
I. What?
II. Whence?
III. Where?
IV.When?
V. How?
VI. Why?
VII. Whither?

-William Walker Atkinson, Thought Culture or Practical Mental Training