Much of historical science is based on pure observation, like the leafs of maple trees
turn colors like red , yellow and crimsom in the fall. That is an observation that people have made for years. But it does not explain why they turn colors.
Bench science investigated that in the fall daylight hours are reduced and that the chlorophyll that makes leaves green in the summer, is reduced by the reduced sun light. Where the chlorophyll content was extracted and measured against the hours of sunlight.
Classical experimental research involves making predictions and testing them, ideally in controlled laboratory settings. In contrast, historical research involves explaining observable phenomena in terms of observable causes that cannot be fully replicated in a laboratory setting.
