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Literary notes about Index (AI summary)

The term "index" assumes a variety of roles in literary and scholarly texts. In some works, it functions as a navigational tool to direct readers to key topics, names, or passages, often presented in a dedicated section at the back of a book [1, 2, 3]. In other texts, it operates more as a metonymic indicator, signifying not only cross-references and catalogues of content but also serving as a metaphor—a gauge of completeness or even as an analogy for a measurable component, as when it indicates development or serves as a pointer to virtue [4, 5]. Additionally, the word appears in technical discussions, describing mechanisms or processes where "index" plays a literal, physical role [6, 7]. This multifaceted use of "index" underscores its importance both as a practical tool for organization and as a conceptual symbol in literature.
  1. [Pg 391] INDEX A. Abercrombie's descent on Egypt, 384 .
    — from The Art of War by baron de Antoine Henri Jomini
  2. Article Navigation Bar Previous Article Next Article Index Content of Article The Signatures of Charles Dickens (with Portraits).
    — from The King James Version of the Bible
  3. [Pg 269] INDEX OF PROPER NAMES AND PRINCIPAL SUBJECTS OF THE INFERNO.
    — from The Divine Comedy of Dante Alighieri: The Inferno by Dante Alighieri
  4. If we fix the index before the impression really comes, that means that we perceive it too late.
    — from The Principles of Psychology, Volume 1 (of 2) by William James
  5. All thoughts on religion remain accordingly coloured with passion, and are felt to be, above all, a test of loyalty and an index to virtue.
    — from The Life of Reason: The Phases of Human Progress by George Santayana
  6. This bevel engages with two others mounted loosely on the little shaft, on which is turned a screw thread to revolve the index counter wheels.
    — from How it Works by Archibald Williams
  7. To this shaft is connected the index mechanism (to the right).
    — from How it Works by Archibald Williams

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