The separation of a compound body into its constituent parts; a resolving; as, an analysis of water, air or oil, to discover its elements.

A consideration of anything in its separate parts; an examination of the different parts of a subject, each separately; as the words which compose a sentence, the notes of a tune, or the simple propositions which enter into an argument. It is opposed to synthesis. In mathematics, analysis is the resolving of problems by algebraic equations. The analysis of finite quantities is otherwise called algebra, or specious arithmetic. The analysis of infinites is the method of fluxions, or the differential calculus. In logic, analysis is the tracing of things to their source, and the resolving of knowledge into its original principles.

A syllabus, or table of the principal heads of a continued discourse, disposed in their natural order. ANAL YSIS.

A brief, methodical illustration of the principles of a science. In this sense, it is nearly synonymous with synopsis.