The Star Method for Testing Syllogisms

[Skomatth]

I'm working though Introduction to Logic by Harry Gensler in which he presents his own invention for testing syllogisms-the star method. I was wondering how common this method is in comparison to Venn diagram methods. It's much quicker than Venn diagrams to use, but the beginning student is at a loss as to why it works. Gensler suggests its validity is a topic for more experienced logicians.

[honestrosewater]

I've never heard of the "star test", but here's an article by Gensler explaining it (http://projecteuclid.org/Dienst/UI/1.0/Summarize/euclid.ndjfl/1093891100), for anyone who's interested. I'll read it a little later.