Em*pir"ic (?; 277), n. [L.
empiricus an empiric, Gr. &?; experienced, equiv. to &?;; &?;
in + &?; a trial, experiment; akin to &?; ford, way, and E.
fare: cf. F. empirique. See In, and
Fare.] 1. One who follows an empirical
method; one who relies upon practical experience.
2. One who confines himself to applying the
results of mere experience or his own observation; especially, in
medicine, one who deviates from the rules of science and regular
practice; an ignorant and unlicensed pretender; a quack; a
charlatan.
Among the Greek physicians, those who founded their
practice on experience called themselves
empirics.
Krauth-Fleming.
Swallow down opinions as silly people do
empirics' pills.
Locke.
{ Em*pir"ic (?), Em*pir"ic*al (?), }
a. 1. Pertaining to, or
founded upon, experiment or experience; depending upon the
observation of phenomena; versed in experiments.
In philosophical language, the term empirical
means simply what belongs to or is the product of experience or
observation.
Sir W. Hamilton.
The village carpenter . . . lays out his work by
empirical rules learnt in his apprenticeship.
H. Spencer.
2. Depending upon experience or observation
alone, without due regard to science and theory; -- said especially
of medical practice, remedies, etc.; wanting in science and deep
insight; as, empiric skill, remedies.
Empirical formula. (Chem.) See under
Formula.
Syn. -- See Transcendental.
