S. Tyler on Philosophical Induction. 319 
Arr. XX XIIl.—On Philosophical Induction ; by Samuen 'Tyuer. 
In the January number of this Journal, Mr. J. D. Whelpley 
remarks upon ‘the true method to be adopted in the scientific 
study of nature ;” and calls it, “induction by analogy.”” 
Mr. Whelpley has touched upon one of the most difficult top- | 
ics involved in the method of investigation. There is no problem 
in the whole scheme of logic, that has given philosophers more 
trouble, than to ascertain the true nature of analogy, and to fix 
its precise relation to induction. I know of no question, about 
which there is more confusion of thought in the best writers up- 
on logic and evidence. I will therefore endeavor to exhibit a 
succinct analysis of the subject matter. 
Induction is very different from the reasoning or deductive pro- 
cess, in which the conclusion is necessarily assumed in the ver 
conception of the premises, as is seen in its formal exhibition in 
the syllogism. Induction may be defined, a process of investi- 
gation and of collecting facts and phenomena, either with or with- 
out a view to establish some general principle already suggested 
to the mind. It is manifest, that the mere investigation and col- 
lection of facts and phenomena, without a view to establish some 
general principle already suggested to the mind, is not the rea- 
the fact that one water-fowl, the duck, has web-feet, that all wa- 
ter-fowl have web-feet: which is evidently a mere supposition 
