docimacy

n. [ Gr. &unr_; an assay, examination, fr. &unr_; to examine (Metals), fr. &unr_; assayed, tested, fr. &unr_; to take, approve: cf. F. docimasie. ] The art or practice of applying tests to ascertain the nature, quality, etc., of objects, as of metals or ores, of medicines, or of facts pertaining to physiology. [ 1913 Webster ]