 … let the argument be A1 = B1, B1 = C1, therefore A1 = C1. The rule which has to be put as the major premiss is, things being equal to the same thing are equal to one another. Under this we subsume A1 and C1 are things equal to the same thing, and so draw the conclusion that they are equal to one another. This is syllogism I. Now syllogism I, which is of the form MP, SM, SP, in turn exemplifies another rule of inference which is the so-called dictum de omni et nullo. This must now appear as a major premiss. The resulting syllogism may be put variously; the following short form will serve. Every inference which obey the dictum is correct; the inference of syllogism I obeys the dictum; therefore it is correct. This is a new syllogism (II) which again has for rule of inference the same dictum; hence a new syllogism (III) and so on in saecula saeculorum. (SI, 444)