Full Idea
The theory of mereology has had a history of being exploited by nominalists to achieve some of the effects of set theory.
Gist of Idea
Mereology has been exploited by some nominalists to achieve the effects of set theory
Source
Alex Orenstein (W.V. Quine [2002], Ch.3)
Book Reference
Orenstein,Alex: 'W.V. Quine' [Princeton 2002], p.55
A Reaction
Some writers refer to mereology as a 'theory', and others as an area of study. This appears to be an interesting line of investigation. Orenstein says Quine and Goodman showed its limitations.