A*nal"y*sis (&?;), n.; pl.
Analyses (&?;). [Gr. &?;, fr. &?; to unloose, to
dissolve, to resolve into its elements; &?; up + &?; to loose. See
Loose.] 1. A resolution of anything, whether an
object of the senses or of the intellect, into its constituent or original
elements; an examination of the component parts of a subject, each
separately, as the words which compose a sentence, the tones of a tune, or
the simple propositions which enter into an argument. It is opposed to
synthesis.
2. (Chem.) The separation of a compound
substance, by chemical processes, into its constituents, with a view to
ascertain either (a) what elements it contains, or (b) how
much of each element is present. The former is called qualitative,
and the latter quantitative analysis.
3. (Logic) The tracing of things to their
source, and the resolving of knowledge into its original
principles.
4. (Math.) The resolving of problems by
reducing the conditions that are in them to equations.
5. (a) A syllabus, or table of the
principal heads of a discourse, disposed in their natural order.
(b) A brief, methodical illustration of the principles
of a science. In this sense it is nearly synonymous with
synopsis.
6. (Nat. Hist.) The process of ascertaining
the name of a species, or its place in a system of classification, by means
of an analytical table or key.
Ultimate, Proximate,
Qualitative, Quantitative, and
Volumetric analysis. (Chem.) See under
Ultimate, Proximate, Qualitative, etc.
