inspection

n. [ L. inspectio: cf. F. inspection. ] 1. The act or process of inspecting or looking at carefully; a strict or prying examination; close or careful scrutiny; investigation. Spenser. [ 1913 Webster ]

With narrow search, and with inspection deep,
Considered every creature. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. The act of overseeing; official examination or superintendence. [ 1913 Webster ]

Trial by inspection (O. Eng. Law), a mode of trial in which the case was settled by the individual observation and decision of the judge upon the testimony of his own senses, without the intervention of a jury. Abbott. [ 1913 Webster ]