Kenneth G. Wilson (1923–). The Columbia Guide to Standard American English. 1993.
induction, deduction (nn.)
The distinction in logical methods is the key concern: induction is reasoning from particular cases and instances to a general conclusion; deduction is reasoning from a general proposition to a specific application and conclusion. The other senses of each word are not likely to be confused; consult a desk dictionary for them. See also DEDUCE; DEDUCTIVE.
