184. The Predicate is that which is stated of the subject.

185. Hence the subject is thought of for its own sake, and the
predicate for the sake of the subject.




CHAPTER II.

Of _the Copula_.


186. There are two kinds of copula, one for affirmative and one for
negative statements.

187. Materially the copula is expressed by some part of the verb 'to
be,' with or without the negative, or else is wrapped up in some
inflexional form of a verb.

188. The material form of the copula is an accident of language, and
a matter of indifference to logic. 'The kettle boils' is as logical a
form of expression as 'The kettle is boiling.' For it must be
remembered that the word 'is' here is a mere sign of agreement between
the two terms, and conveys no notion of actual existence. We may use
it indeed with equal propriety to express non-existence, as when we
say 'An idol is nothing.'

189. When the verb 'to be' expresses existence in fact it is known
in grammar as 'the substantive verb.' In this use it is predicate as