CIiAPTER II. 407 all these propositions it is the mode is the proper predicate, and all the rest of the proposition, except the copula (or word is) belongs to the subject; and thus they become pure propositions of a complex nature, of which we shall treat in the next sec- tion ; so that there is no great need of making modals of a dis- tinct sort. There are many little subtleties which the schools acquaint us with concerning the conversion and opposition and equipollence of these modal propositions, suited to the Latin or Greek tongues, rather than the English, and fit to pass away the idle time of a student, rather than to enrich his understanding. SrcT. V. Of single Propositions, whether simple or complex. WHEN we consider the nature of propositions, together with the formation of them, and the materials whereof they are made, we divide them into single and compound. A single proposition is that which has but one subject and one predicate ; but if it has more subjects, or more predicates, it is called a compound proposition, and indeed it contains t o or more propositions in it. A single proposition (which is also called categorical) may be divided again into simple and complexa. A purely simple proposition is that whose subject and pre- dicate are made up of single terms ; as virtue is desirable : every penitent is pardoned : no man is innocent. When the subject or predicate, or both, are made up of com- plex terms, it is called a complex proposition ; as every sincere penitent is pardoned : virtue is desirable for its own sake : no man alive is perfectly innocent. If the term which is added to the subject of a complex pro- position be either essential or any way necessary to it, then it is called explicative, for it only explains the subject ; as, every mortal man is a son of Adam. But if the term added to make up the complex subject does not necessarily or constantly be- long to it, then it is determinate, and limits the subject to a particular part of its extension ; as, every pious man shall be happy. In the first proposition the word mortal is merely explicative: in the second proposition the word pious is deter- minative. Here note, that whatsoever may be affirmed or denied concerning any subject, with an explicative addition, may be also affirmed or denied of that subject without it, as we may boldly say, every man is a son of Adam, as well as every mortal $: As simple ideas are opposed to complex, and single ideas to compound, so propositions are distinguished in the same manner: the English tongue, in this respect having some advantage above the learned languages, which have no usual word to distinguish single from simple.
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