A mixed ratiocination interposes an immediate inference, resulting in more than three propositions. The ratiocination can be simple or a chain of reasoning. Pure ratiocination occurs by means of three propositions. Mixed ratiocination occurs by more than three propositions. The story can be considered a burlesque of Poe's own tales of ratiocination. Poe referred to his stories as "tales of ratiocination". Poe called it a "tale of ratiocination". Poe called this story "perhaps, the best of my tales of ratiocination". This is grounded on the rule of affirmative ratiocination. He employs what he terms "ratiocination". This is based on the rule of negative ratiocination. A complete concept is one which is made distinct by a ratiocination. A mixed ratiocination is still a single ratiocination. Without it, the ratiocination is invalid. Because proof is possible only through ratiocination, these rules can't be proved.