or Analytical, something that belongs to, or partakes of, the nature of analysis.—Thus we say, an analytical demonstration, analytical process, analytical table or scheme, analytical method of investigation, &c.

The analytic method stands opposed to the synthetic. In natural philosophy, as in mathematics, the investigation of difficult things by the analytic method ought to precede the method of composition. This analysis consists in making experiments and observations, and in drawing general conclusions therefrom by induction; and admitting of no objections against the conclusions, but such as are drawn from experiments, and other certain truths; and though the reasoning from experiments and observations by induction be no demonstration of general conclusions, yet it is the best method of reasoning which the nature of things admits of; and may be esteemed so much the stronger, as the induction is more general; and, if no exception occur from phenomena, the conclusion may be pronounced general. By this way of analysis, we may proceed from compounds to their ingredients; from motions to the forces producing them; and in general from effects to their causes, and from particular causes to more general ones, until we arrive at those which are the most general. This is the analytic method, according to the illustrious Newton.

The synthetic method consists in assuming the causes discovered and received as principles; and by them explaining the phenomena proceeding from them, and proving the explanations. See SYNTHESIS.