Perhaps its most notable characteristic is an unwavering concern for rigour and precision. the detailed studies that constituted the bulk of his output were, in Tannery's view, only a necessary stage in the elaboration on much broader syntheses that would ultimately lead to a comprehensive history of science that he himself could openly initiate.
Marahil ang pinaka-tanyag katangian ay isang matibay pag-aalala para sa kahirapan at katiyakan. ang detalyadong pag-aaral na constituted ang bulk ng kanyang output ay, sa kultihan's view, kinakailangan lamang ng isang yugto sa pagpaliwanag sa maraming mas malawak na syntheses na ganap na hahantong sa isang kumpletong kasaysayan ng agham na siya rin ay lantaran simulan.