Before proceeding further, I shall speak of some characteristic marks which belong to such scientific processes as are now the subject of our consideration, and which may sometimes aid us in determining when the task has been rightly executed. {{70}} CHAPTER V. OF CERTAIN CHARACTERISTICS OF SCIENTIFIC INDUCTION. APHORISM X. _The process of scientific discovery is cautious and rigorous, not by abstaining from hypotheses, but by rigorously comparing hypotheses with facts, and by resolutely rejecting all which the comparison does not confirm._ APHORISM XI. _Hypotheses may be useful, though involving much that is superfluous, and even erroneous: for they may supply the true bond of connexion of the facts; and the superfluity and errour may afterwards be pared away._ APHORISM XII. _It is a test of true theories not only to account for, but to predict phenomena._ APHORISM XIII. Induction _is a term applied to describe the process of a true Colligation of Facts by means of an exact and appropriate Conception._ An Induction _is also employed to denote the_ proposition _which results from this process._ APHORISM XIV. The Consilience of Inductions _takes place when an Induction, obtained from one class of facts, coincides with an Induction, obtained from another different class. This_ {71} _Consilience is a test of the truth of the Theory in which it occurs._ APHORISM XV. _An Induction is not the mere_ sum _of the Facts which are colligated. The Facts are not only brought together, but seen in a new point of view. A new mental Element is_ superinduced; _and a peculiar constitution and discipline of mind are requisite in order to make this Induction._ APHORISM XVI. _Although in Every Induction a new conception is superinduced upon the Facts; yet this once effectually done, the novelty of the conception is overlooked, and the conception is considered as a part of the fact._ SECT. I.--_Invention a part of Induction._