[f. EMPIRIC + -ISM.] The method or practice of an empiric.
1. Med. Practice founded upon experiment and observation; ignorant and unscientific practice; quackery. Also transf.
1657. G. Starkey, Helmont’s Vind., 245. The Chymistry of the Galenical Tribe is a ridiculous … and … dangerous Empericism.
1756. C. Lucas, Ess. Waters, II. 47. The art became debased with empiricism.
1791. Mackintosh, Vind. Gall., Wks. 1846, III. 148. ‘The practical claim of impeachment’ … is the most sorry juggle of political empiricism.
1880. Sir J. Fayrer, in Nature, XXI. 231. The empiricism of to-day is more scientific than it was in former days.
2. a. The use of empirical methods in any art or science. b. Philos. The doctrine that regards experience as the only source of knowledge.
1803. Edin. Rev., I. 257. Made acquainted with the divisions of empiricism and rationalism.
1817. Jas. Mill, Brit. India, I. II. ix. 399. Mere observation and empiricism, not even the commencement of science.
1872. Minto, Eng. Lit., II. viii. 547. The empiricism popularly associated with the name of Locke.
1881. Huxley, in Nature, 11 Aug., 343/2. All true science begins with empiricism.
3. concr. A conclusion arrived at on empirical grounds.
1846. Mill, Logic, III. xiii. § 5. The instances of new theories agreeing with … old empiricisms, are innumerable.
