The word "empirical" means based on observation or experience. It can also describe something verifiable or disprovable through observation or experiment. For instance, conservation biologists gather empirical data like species inventories and soil analyses. In a culinary context, empirical facts explain why certain ingredient combinations work. Historically, "empirical" referred to ancient doctors who relied on observed treatments rather than theory. These empirics opposed dominant physicians like Galen, who based medicine on theoretical principles. Consequently, the term "empiric" sometimes carried negative connotations, implying disregard for scientific rules. However, "empirical" now predominantly retains its positive meaning. It describes evidence and information grounded in observation and experience. This makes it a valuable term for describing knowledge derived from real-world evidence.