OBSERVATION. 2] 



character. Similarly no number of failures to obtain a 

 general solution of equations of the fifth degree would 

 establish the impossibility of the task, but in an indirect 

 mode, equivalent to a rcductio ad absurd um, the impossi 

 bility is considered to be proved 1 . 



l&amp;gt; Peacock, Algebra, vol. ii. p. 359. Scrret, Algebra, Superietm&amp;gt;/ 

 2nd cd. p. 289. 



