Vedic Metre in its Historical Development c5.11

c5.11

9. The principle underlying these admissions on either side is clearly quantitative: the multiplicity of instances constitutes the proof. Native as well as European commentators alike adopt without hesitation that hypothesis which accounts for the largest number of facts in the simplest way. If one textual correction will rectify ten verses, we make the textual correction: if the admission of one metrical variation or irregularity will accord with the text of ten verses, we admit the metrical variation. The full application of this principle can only be learnt by experience: but its short statement will sufficiently indicate the importance of a full collection of facts as a basis for any theory.