24 July 1812

Evidence Introd.

Introd

Ch. 26

To form a good circumstance evidence two circumstances at least one necessary: but by these rules one is regarded as sufficient

The practice of considering, and on such slender ground as just mentioned, a fact belonging to an individual transaction as being of itself probative or disprobative of a fact belonging to another individual transaction shall have no connection with it stands exposed /has to encroach/ to this [...?] In every instance without exception either it is deceptitious or mindless: mindless to such a degree as to be migatory and ridiculous.

Of a general rule constructed for this purpose the effect if any effect follows from it that would not follow without it, will frequently be, the pronouncing as true fact which by all persons to whom the transaction is known will be seen plainly to be false or vice versa.