\Ob`ser*va"tion\, n. [L. observatio: cf.F.
observation.]
1. The act or the faculty of observing or taking notice; the
   act of seeing, or of fixing the mind upon, anything.
         My observation, which very seldom lies. --Shak.
2. The result of an act, or of acts, of observing; view;
   reflection; conclusion; judgment.
         In matters of human prudence, we shall find the
         greatest advantage in making wise observations on
         our conduct.                          --I. Watts.
3. Hence: An expression of an opinion or judgment upon what
   one has observed; a remark. ``That's a foolish
   observation.'' --Shak.
         To observations which ourselves we make We grow more
         partial for the observer's sake.      --Pope.
4. Performance of what is prescribed; adherence in practice;
   observance. [Obs.]
         We are to procure dispensation or leave to omit the
         observation of it in such circumstances. --Jer.
                                               Taylor.
5. (Science)
   (a) The act of recognizing and noting some fact or
       occurrence in nature, as an aurora, a corona, or the
       structure of an animal.
   (b) Specifically, the act of measuring, with suitable
       instruments, some magnitude, as the time of an
       occultation, with a clock; the right ascension of a
       star, with a transit instrument and clock; the sun's
       altitude, or the distance of the moon from a star,
       with a sextant; the temperature, with a thermometer,
       etc.
   (c) The information so acquired.
Note: When a phenomenon is scrutinized as it occurs in
      nature, the act is termed an observation. When the
      conditions under which the phenomenon occurs are
      artificial, or arranged beforehand by the observer, the
      process is called an experiment. Experiment includes
      observation.
{To take an observation} (Naut.), to ascertain the altitude
   of a heavenly body, with a view to fixing a vessel's
   position at sea.
Syn: Observance; notice; attention; remark; comment; note.
     See {Observance}.