{Qualitative analysis} (Chem.), analysis which merely
determines the constituents of a substance without any
regard to the quantity of each ingredient; -- contrasted
with quantitative analysis.
2. (Chem.) The separation of a compound substance, by
chemical processes, into its constituents, with a view to
ascertain either (a) what elements it contains, or (b) how
much of each element is present. The former is called
{qualitative}, and the latter {quantitative analysis}.
3. (Logic) The tracing of things to their source, and the
resolving of knowledge into its original principles.
4. (Math.) The resolving of problems by reducing the
conditions that are in them to equations.
5.
(a) A syllabus, or table of the principal heads of a
discourse, disposed in their natural order.
(b) A brief, methodical illustration of the principles of
a science. In this sense it is nearly synonymous with
synopsis.
6. (Nat. Hist.) The process of ascertaining the name of a
species, or its place in a system of classification, by
means of an analytical table or key.
{Ultimate}, {Proximate}, {Qualitative}, {Quantitative}, and
{Volumetric analysis}. (Chem.) See under {Ultimate},
{Proximate}, {Qualitative}, etc.