indagation

Yet he exhorted the true “naturalist” not to “let the search or knowledge of final causes make him neglect the industrious indagation [i.e., investigation] of effi - cients,” and he implied that the naturalist's principal aim was the discovery of efficient causes.

Dictionary of the History of Ideas WILLIS DONEY 1968

It was not discovered by the severe indagation and watchfulness of ministers of state from foreign intelligence, -- the usual way of discovering such plots.

The Sermons of John Owen 1616-1683 1968

Hence things philosophical, and of a deep rational indagation, find great acceptance in the world — as, in their proper place, they do deserve.

Christologia 1616-1683 1965

The indagation is often a task both nice and laborious.

The Lives of the Fathers, Martyrs, and Principal Saints January, February, March Alban Butler

From which council, (1057) no Christian man who is learned in the Scriptures may be excluded, but ought to be admitted to utter his judgment in the same; for in the indagation or searching out of a matter of faith, they are not the persons of men which give authority to their sayings, but the reasons and documents which every one bringeth for his judgment.

The Works of Mr. George Gillespie (Vol. 1 of 2) George Gillespie 1630