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Webster 1913 Edition

Empiricism

Em-pir′i-cism

,
Noun.
1.
The method or practice of an empiric; pursuit of knowledge by observation and experiment.
2.
Specifically, a practice of medicine founded on mere experience, without the aid of science or a knowledge of principles; ignorant and unscientific practice; charlatanry; quackery.
3.
(Metaph.)
The philosophical theory which attributes the origin of all our knowledge to experience.

Webster 1828 Edition

Empiricism

EMPIR'ICISM

,
Noun.
Dependence of a physician on his experience in practice,without the aid of a regular medical education.
1.
The practice of medicine without a medical education. Hence, quackery; the pretensions of a ignorant man to medical skill.
Shudder to destroy life,either by the naked knife, or by the surer and safer medium of empiricism.

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