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f observing or taking notice; the act of seeing, or of fixing the mind upon, anything. My observation, which very seldom lies. Shak.

A railway passenger car made so as to facilitate seeing the scenery en route; a car open, or with glass sides, or with a kind of open balcony at the rear.

Of a pertaining to observation; consisting of, or containing, observations. Chalmers.

Neglect or want of observation. [R.]

Erroneous observation. J. S Mill.

Characterizing that kind of reasoning which derives propositions from the observation of facts, or by generalizations from facts arrives at principles and definitions, or infers causes from effects. This is the reverse of a priori reasoning.

The observation of the state and variations of the atmosphere.

ork of Ptolemy of Alexandria, which contains nearly all that is known of the astronomical observations and theories of the ancients. The name was extended to other similar works.

ff, an ancient instrument, having an arc of fifteen degrees, formerly used at sea to take observations of the sun's amplitude at the time of its rising or setting, to find the variation of the compass.

Of or relating to anatomy or dissection; as, the anatomic art; anatomical observations. Hume.

To become visible to the apprehension of the mind; to be known as a subject of observation or comprehension, or as a thing proved; to be obvious or manifest. It doth not yet appear what we shall be. 1 John iii. 2. Of their vain contest appeared no end. Milton.

Capable of being applied; fit or suitable to be applied; having relevance; as, this observation is applicable to the case under consideration. -- Ap"pli*ca*ble*ness, n. -- Ap"pli*ca*bly, adv.

the purpose; suitably to the place or subject; -- a word used to introduce an incidental observation, suited to the occasion, though not strictly belonging to the narration.

dexterity, or the power of performing certain actions, asquired by experience, study, or observation; knack; a, a man has the art of managing his business to advantage.

Observation of the stars. [Obs.]

Theology founded on observation or knowledge of the celestial bodies. Derham.

A rite, ceremony, or observation of an augur.

Soothsaying, or prediction of events, from observation of the winds.

Personal observation or examination; seeing with one's own eyes; ocular view. By autopsy and experiment. Cudworth.

Seen with one's own eyes; belonging to, or connected with, personal observation; as, autoptic testimony or experience.