The Southern Literary Messenger, Vol. I., No. 4, December, 1834Various
History
The Southern Literary Messenger, Vol. I., No. 4, December, 1834
Various
American literature -- 19th century -- Periodicals
There are two sorts of analysis, each proper in its place. The one
_philosophical_, by which the different parts of a subject are so
arranged, as to exhibit in distinct groups those things that depend on
the same or like principles, and such as are marked by characteristic
points of resemblance; giving a sort of honorary precedence to the most
important. The other sort of analysis may be termed _logical_. It is
that method by which different propositions are so arranged, as that no
one of them shall ever be brought under consideration, until all others
which may be necessary to the right understanding of that one, have
been established and explained. Of this last description sire Euclid's
elements, in which it is interesting to observe that no one proposition
could with propriety be made to change its place; each one depending
for its demonstration, directly or indirectly, upon all that have gone
before.
Blackstone's Commentaries may be cited as an example of _philosophical_
analysis. He has indeed been careful to avoid perplexing his reader,
through the want of a strictly _logical_ arrangement, by dealing
chiefly in generalities, and never descending to such particulars as
might be unintelligible for want of a knowledge of matters not yet
treated of. This I take to be the reason why his work has been
characterized as being "less an institute of law, than a methodical
guide or elementary work adapted to the commencement of a course of
study. He treats most subjects in a manner too general and cursory to
give the student an adequate knowledge of them. After having pursued
his beautiful arrangement, he is obliged to seek elsewhere for farther
details. After having learnt the advantage of system, he is almost at
the threshold of the science, turned back without a guide, to grope
among the mazy volumes of our crowded libraries. This cannot be right.
If system is of advantage at all, it is of advantage throughout. Were
it practicable, it would be better for the student to have a single
work, which embracing the whole subject, should properly arrange every
principle and every case essential to be known preparatory to his
stepping on the _arena_. Much, very much indeed, would still be left to
be explored in the course of his professional career, independent of
the _apices juris_, which the most vigorous and persevering alone can
hope to attain."--Tucker's Commentary, Introduction, p. 4.
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