CHAPTER II.
GENERAL ANALYSIS OF PROPOSITIONS Sec.1.Since Logic discusses the proof or disproof, or (briefly) the testing of propositions, we must begin by explaining their nature.

A proposition, then, may first be described in the language of grammar as _a sentence indicative_; and it is usually expressed in the present tense.
It is true that other kinds of sentences, optative, imperative, interrogative, exclamatory, if they express or imply an assertion, are not beyond the view of Logic; but before treating such sentences, Logic, for greater precision, reduces them to their equivalent sentences indicative.

Thus, _I wish it were summer_ may be understood to mean, _The coming of summer is an object of my desire_.

_Thou shalt not kill_ may be interpreted as _Murderers are in danger of the judgment_.
Interrogatories, when used in argument, if their form is affirmative, have negative force, and affirmative force if their form is negative.
Thus, _Do hypocrites love virtue ?_ anticipates the answer, _No_.

_Are not traitors the vilest of mankind ?_ anticipates the answer, _Yes_.