System
(Sys"tem) n. [L. systema, Gr. fr. to place together; sy`n with + to place: cf. F. système. See
Stand.]
1. An assemblage of objects arranged in regular subordination, or after some distinct method, usually
logical or scientific; a complete whole of objects related by some common law, principle, or end; a complete
exhibition of essential principles or facts, arranged in a rational dependence or connection; a regular
union of principles or parts forming one entire thing; as, a system of philosophy; a system of government; a
system of divinity; a system of botany or chemistry; a military system; the solar system.
The best way to learn any science, is to begin with a regular system, or a short and plain scheme of
that science well drawn up into a narrow compass.
I. Watts. 2. Hence, the whole scheme of created things regarded as forming one complete plan of whole; the
universe. "The great system of the world." Boyle.
3. Regular method or order; formal arrangement; plan; as, to have a system in one's business.
4. (Mus.) The collection of staves which form a full score. See Score, n.
5. (Biol.) An assemblage of parts or organs, either in animal or plant, essential to the performance of
some particular function or functions which as a rule are of greater complexity than those manifested
by a single organ; as, the capillary system, the muscular system, the digestive system, etc.; hence, the
whole body as a functional unity.
6. (Zoöl.) One of the stellate or irregular clusters of intimately united zooids which are imbedded in, or
scattered over, the surface of the common tissue of many compound ascidians.
Block system, Conservative system, etc. See under Block, Conservative, etc.
Systematic
(Sys`tem*at"ic Sys`tem*at"ic*al) a. systématique.]—>
1. Of or pertaining to system; consisting in system; methodical; formed with regular connection and adaptation
or subordination of parts to each other, and to the design of the whole; as, a systematic arrangement of
plants or animals; a systematic course of study.
Now we deal much in essays, and unreasonably despise systematical learning; whereas our fathers had
a just value for regularity and systems.
I. Watts.
A representation of phenomena, in order to answer the purposes of science, must be systematic.
Whewell. 2. Proceeding according to system, or regular method; as, a systematic writer; systematic benevolence.
3. Pertaining to the system of the world; cosmical.
These ends may be called cosmical, or systematical.
Boyle. 4. (Med.) Affecting successively the different parts of the system or set of nervous fibres; as, systematic
degeneration.
Systematic theology. See under Theology.
Systematically
(Sys`tem*at"ic*al*ly), adv. In a systematic manner; methodically.
Systematism
(Sys"tem*a*tism) n. The reduction of facts or principles to a system. Dunglison.
Systematist
(Sys"tem*a*tist) n. [Cf. F. systématiste.]
