method - n.
1 a special form of procedure esp. in any branch of mental activity.
2 orderliness; regular habits.
3 the orderly arrangement of ideas.
4 a scheme of classification.
5 Theatr. a technique of acting based on the actor's thorough emotional identification with the character.

method in one's madness sense in what appears to be foolish or strange behaviour. [F m

thode or L methodus f. Gk methodos pursuit of knowledge (as META-, hodos way)]