Empirically

adv. [f. prec. + -LY².] In an empirical manner.

  1.  After the manner of an empiric or quack-doctor.

1631.  Brathwait, Whimzies, Almanack-maker, 5. He ha’s some small scruple of Physician in him, and can most Empyrically discourse of the state of your Body.

1642.  Sir T. Browne, Relig. Med., I. § 31. 57. His Schollers; who … doe empirically practice without his advice.

1872.  T. G. Thomas, Dis. Women (ed. 3), 64. The advice is too often given empirically.

  2.  By means of observation and experiment.

1646.  Sir T. Browne, Pseud. Ep., VI. xii. 334. For wee shall emperically and sensibly discourse hereof.

1664.  Power, Exp. Philos., III. 192. Philosophy … will Empirically and Sensibly canvass the Phænomena of Nature.

1809–10.  Coleridge, Friend (1865), 23. A schoolmaster is under the necessity of teaching a certain rule in simple arithmetic empirically.

1879.  trans. Du Moncel Telephone, 52. I sought … to discover empirically the exact effect of each element.