31 Aug 1804

Evidence

Circumstantial

Ch. 1. General[?]

§.3. Order [...?]

§3. Order of enquiry.

The course pursued by /order observed in/ the disquisitions contained in the present book will be found to be [...?] as follows -

1. To exhibit some general explanations of relation to the nature of this class of /circumstantial/ evidence -

2. To give a catalogue, the more ample the better /as ample as possible/ of such tools[?] /species/ of evidence referable to this class as appear alike applicable to an extensive class of causes: leaving as an endless task /labour/, the task of giving /exhibiting/ the whole mass of circumstantial evidence capable of applying to this or that particular species of cause.

3. In describing, as far as appears necessary, the nature and characteristic properties of each such species of circumstantial evidence, to show in what manner it may contribute to satisfy the mind[?] concerning the existence or non-existence of the principal fact (the fact supposed to be evidenced) to which it applies.

4. To show at the same time the cases in which, and thereby sometimes the causes from which, its probative force is liable to fail: - the cases and causes of its failing to be conclusive.