4 July 1812

Evidence Introd

Introd

Ch. 23. Technically appropriate

'.1.

In this respect different in a considerable degree, it has already been seen is the nature of circumstantial evidence. In the case of this sort of evidence many and extensive are, it has been seen the instances in which one [...?] /[...?]/ sort of fact ground may be seen for inferring the existence or the non existence of another sort of fact.

Thus there was a species of evidence the decision of which was not in its own nature absolutely incapable of being taken into the hands of the Judges, accordingly taken with their insatiable /over-grasping/ and ever grasping hands it has been and to a vast and deplorable extent.

I say deplorable, and for this reason: viz. that assuredly in most instances, not in improbably in every instance without exception the conclusions thus drawn will in the general character this in every instance has been given to them, rash and untrue conclusions. Why? because the conclusion will in every instance be found liable to be weakened by facts, of the nature of informative facts as above explained, which facts have in the drawing of the inference been overlooked or neglected