[billybudd]

science was practiced by clergy as they were the most educated people.

Hahahaha! How the heck does one "practice" science?

[RunningWolf]

That is probably a loss in the translation. There is 'The Scientific Method' and it can be practiced.

W.

[metmom]

...science was practiced by clergy as they were the most educated people.

OK, so what's a better way of stating that people are *doing* science or engagint in it or running experiments? Doctors practice medicine, don't they? It's a legitimate use of the word and gets the meaning across.