" practical observation and experience" thought the world was flat until a few hundred years ago..*grin*..(Some are still not convinced otherwise)

" practical observation and experience" believed that acquired characteristics could be inherited into the last century...many are still not convinced they can't.

" practical observation and experience" believed that certain races were inherently inferior until....hmmmm...I see that one is VERY widely still held despite all those pesky scientists suggesting otherwise.

" practical observation and experience" believed in Spontaneous Generation until pretty recently.

Quote:"Observation: Every year in the spring, the Nile River flooded areas of Egypt along the river, leaving behind nutrient-rich mud that enabled the people to grow that year's crop of food. However, along with the muddy soil, large numbers of frogs appeared that weren't around in drier times.
Conclusion: It was perfectly obvious to people back then that muddy soil gave rise to the frogs.


Observation: In many parts of Europe, medieval farmers stored grain in barns with thatched roofs (like Shakespeare's house). As a roof aged, it was not uncommon for it to start leaking. This could lead to spoiled or moldy grain, and of course there were lots of mice around.
Conclusion: It was obvious to them that the mice came from the moldy grain."


" practical observation and experience" AND common sense have made 'honest' mistakes like this for thousands of years.