Page:O. F. Owen's Organon of Aristotle Vol. 2 (1853).djvu/190

 these the respondents are often dissatisfied. Moreover, we ought to abound in definitions, and to have at hand those, both of the probable and of the primary, since through these, syllogisms are formed. We must endeavour also to possess those, into which the other disputations generally fall; for as in geometry it is of importance to be exercised about the elements; and in arithmetic, to be prompt in the multiplication of numbers in a regular series up to ten, also contributes greatly to the knowledge of the multiplication of the other numbers besides; so in like manner in arguments, the being prompt about principles, and tenaciously to retain propositions in the memory (are of great service). For as places laid down in the mnemonic (part of the soul) only, immediately cause us to remember them, so these also, will render a person more syllogistic, in consequence of his regarding these (propositions), defined numerically. A common proposition also, rather than an argument, should be committed to memory, since to abound with principle and hypothesis is moderately difficult.

Moreover, we must be accustomed to make one argument many, concealing as obscurely as possible, which sort of thing may be done, if a person very much recedes from the alliance of those things which are the subject of discussion. Such arguments indeed, as are especially universal, will be capable of experiencing this; as that there is not one science of many things, for thus it is in relatives, and in contraries, and in conjugates.

Besides, we ought to make universal records of arguments, even if that discussed, be particular; for thus it will be possible to make one argument many, so also in rhetorical enthymemes.