139

Logic 139

a previous Abduction and from virtual prediction drawn by Deduction of the results of posible experiments and having performed the experiments concludes that the hypothesis is true in the measure in which those predictions are verified this conclusion however being held subject to probable modification to suit future experiments.
Since the significance of the facts stated in the premisses depends upon their predictive character which they could not have had if the conclusion had not been hypothetically entertained; they satisfy the definition of a Symbol of the fact stated in the conclusion.
This argument is Transuasive also in respect to its alone affording us a reasonable assurance of an ampliation of our positive lnowledge.
By the term "birtual prediction" I mean an experiential consequence deduced from the hypothesis and selected from among possible con-