In Makita Heydon JA cited Wigmore on Evidence:

“1. Testimony in the shape of inferences or conclusions always rests on certain premises of fact. That which has been called observation, serving as the basis of belief in matters directly cognizable by the senses - as, the facts of an affray, a conversation, a trespass, and the like - is here replaced by what may be called a consideration of the premise. If the witness has not considered or had in mind these premises, his inference or opinion is good for nothing.

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