Plural of empiric; practitioners or doctors who rely on practical experience and observation, or the practices and knowledge derived from experience.
The plural of 'empiric,' referring both to people (especially ancient and medieval doctors who practiced without formal academic training) and to the body of practical knowledge they accumulated.
In ancient Rome and medieval Europe, 'empirics' were often scorned as charlatans by official medical authorities—yet some of their practical remedies actually worked, predating modern pharmacology!
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