Analysis

(a-nāl'e-sis.) [Gr., from ana luo, I unloose.] (Chem.) The separation of any substance into its constituent parts. It is either qualitative or quantitative. Qualitative A. ascertains the nature of the elements; quantitative, their relative amounts.- Volumetric A., or the quantitative estimation of chemical substances by measure, is an easy method of ascertaining the quantity of a given substance which a certain solution or compound contains. Suppose, for example, we wish to know how much potash a certain solution contains, we measure off a certain quantity, and ascertain how much acid of a known strength is required to saturate it. This being done, a simple calculation completes the operation, and this calculation may be spared by the inspection of a previously prepared table.-(Math.) A term designating the algebraic al branches of pure mathematics.-(Gram.) An explanatory view of etymology, syntax, and other verbal properties.-(Lit.) A synopsis, or brief but methodical illustration of the principles of a science. [s. 29]