8 Aug. 1814

Logic

Ch. │ │ Methodization

'. │ │ Subalternation Scale

2

Aggregates - any two aggregates - which are completely included either of them within the other stand with reference to each other in the relation of logical subalternation, and, with reference to each other, may be said to be commensurable. Divide the larger of the two, you may sooner or later divide it into parts, one of which will be the smaller aggregate.

Aggregates, no one of which is in any part included within the other, may, in like manner, be said to be incommensurable.

Any number of aggregates which are thus commensurable may be considered as belonging to and may be said to constitute one scale:- and to belong to one and the same scale. And thus we have scales of aggregates, and scales of logical subalternation.

Instead of scales of aggregates we may also, in so far as the convenience of discourse may be found to require it, say nests of aggregates: + and speak of two or more aggregates as belonging to the same nest or belonging to different nests.

Aggregates belonging to the same scale of logical subalternation are moreover said to be arranged, with reference to one another, in systematic order.

Of two aggregates belonging to the same scale, the larger may with reference to the smaller be termed superordinate: the smaller, with reference to the larger, subordinate.

In this way, the two only modes or principles of methodization are employed together: the one which proceeds on the principle of succession or priority and posteriority, being employed in the character of a type or emblem employed to represent that which proceeds on the principle of aggregation.

+  Chemists and apothecaries have their nests of boxes.

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