try on for size

experiment; essay (attempt); analysis (investigation); trial, tentative method, tatonnement., verification, probation, experimentum crucis, proof, criterion, diagnostic, test, crucial test., crucible, reagent, check, touchstone, pix; assay, ordeal; ring; curcuma paper, turmeric paper., empiricism, rule of thumb., feeler; pilot balloon, messenger balloon; pilot engine; scout; straw to show the wind., speculation, random shot, leap in the dark., analyzer, analyst; adventurer; experimenter, experimentist, experimentalist.