Osmosis - a subtle or gradual absorption or mingling
As Merlin skimmed through the huge book of spells he was expected to learn, he groaned. What was the point of learning all these spells? And even if knowing how to "infuse with scent of lavender" was vital for the defence of Camelot, how on earth was he supposed to remember it all?
He groaned again, slightly louder this time, as he closed the book and leant over it. Why? Why? Why? And a hundred times why!
Maybe if he just stuck it under his pillow it would soak in? Then he looked at the grungy ancient leather of the old grimoire, even if he did earn all the spells overnight, would he really want it in his bed? No, he decided, then opened up the ancient text and went back to studying the difference of what would happen if you said "leador" and "laeden" during a spell.
(The difference was that you would either have some handy soap appearing or everyone in the room would start speaking Latin.)