f-_evidence_ or consciousness, it is the
basis of all knowledge. _Proof_ in the strict sense is complete,
irresistible _evidence_; as, there was much _evidence_ against the
accused, but not amounting to _proof_ of guilt. Moral _certainty_ is a
conviction resting on such _evidence_ as puts a matter beyond reasonable
doubt, while not so irresistible as _demonstration_. Compare HYPOTHESIS;
INDUCTION.

* * * * *

DESIGN.

Synonyms:

aim, final cause, object, proposal,
device, intent, plan, purpose,
end, intention, project, scheme.

_Design_ refers to the adaptation of means to an _end_, the
correspondence and coordination of parts, or of separate acts, to
produce a result; _intent_ and _purpose_ overleap all particulars, and
fasten on the _end_ itself. _Intention_ is simply the more familiar form
of the legal and philosophical _intent_. _Plan_ relates to details of
form, structure, and action, in themselves; _design_ considers these
same details all as a means to an _end_. The _plan_ of a campaign may be
for a series of sharp attacks, with the _design_ of thus surprising and
overpowering the enemy. A man comes to a fixed _intention_ to kill his
enemy; he forms a _plan_ to entrap him into his power, with the _design_
of then compassing his death; as the law can not read the heart, it can
only infer the _intent_ from the evidences of _design_. _Intent_ denotes
a straining, stretching forth toward an _object_; _purpose_ simply the
placing it before oneself; hence, we speak of the _purpose_ rather than
the _intent_ or _intention_ of God. We hold that the marks of _design_
in nature prove it the work of a great Designer. _Intention_
contemplates the possibility of failure; _purpose_ looks to assured
success; _intent_ or _intention_ refers especially to the state of mind
of the actor; _purpose_ to the result of the action. Compare AIM; CAUSE;
IDEA; MODEL.

Prepositions:

The design _of_ defrauding; the design _of_ a building; a design _for_ a
statue.

* * * * *

DESIRE.

Synonyms:

appetency, concupiscence, hankering, proclivity,
appetite, coveting, inclination, propensity,
aspiration, craving, longing, wish.

_Inclination_ is the mildest of these terms; it is a quiet, or even a
vague or unconscious, tendency. Even when we speak of a strong or
decided _inclination_ we do not express t