Experimental_system - Wikiparency

# Experimental system ## Links (Wikipedia order)  `Biology` · `Domestication` · `Epistemology` · `Experiment` · `Har_Gobind_Khorana` · `Kary_Mullis` · `Model_organism` · `Paul_Rabinow` · `Polymerase_chain_reaction` · `Strain_(biology)` > Summary stub · part of Systems Thinking · [Wikipedia source](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Experimental_system) ## Summary In scientific research, an experimental system is the physical, technical and procedural basis for an experiment or series of experiments. Historian of [[Science|science]] Hans-Jörg Rheinberger defines an experimental system as: "A basic unit of experimental activity combining local, technical, instrumental, institutional, social, and epistemic aspects."[1] Scientists (particularly laboratory biologists) and historians and philosophers of biology have pointed to the development and spread of successful experimental systems, such as those based on popular model organism or scientific apparatus, as key elements in the history of science, particularly since the early 20th century. The choice of an appropriate experimental system is often seen as critical for a scientist's long-term success, as experimental systems can be very productive for some kinds of questions and less productive for others, acquiring a sort of momentum that takes research in unpredicted directions. ## Key points - In scientific research, an experimental system is the physical, technical and procedural basis for an experiment or series of experiments. - Historian of science Hans-Jörg Rheinberger defines an experimental system as: "A basic unit of experimental activity combining local, technical, instrumental, institutional, social, and epistemic aspects." Scientists (particularly laboratory biologists) and historians and philosophers of biology have pointed to the development and spread of successful experimental systems, such as those based on popular model organism or scientific apparatus, as key elements in the history of science, particularly since the early 20th century. - The choice of an appropriate experimental system is often seen as critical for a scientist's long-term success, as experimental systems can be very productive for some kinds of questions and less productive for others, acquiring a sort of momentum that takes research in unpredicted directions. ## Relation to Systems Thinking Experimental system sits within the Systems Thinking cluster of related concepts. Its principles contribute to understanding [[Feedback|feedback]], [[Emergence|emergence]], and dynamic behavior in complex adaptive systems. ## Sources - [Experimental system — Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Experimental_system) Back to Systems Thinking ---  ## Semiotic profile > *The semiotic universals this article invokes, machine-derived from the crossref — **unverified** (born so). Populated 2026-07-06 for the Systems room.* **Universals (5):** 🟡 system (20) · 🟡 science (5) · 🟢 emergence (2) · 🟢 feedback (2) · 🟢 momentum (2) **Enter by sign:** Systems Semiotic Gateway · Alphabetum · Icon Registry · ← Systems Portal  ## Wikipedia : Wikitube **Strict pair:** [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Experimental_system) : [Wikitube](https://en.wikitube.io/wiki/Experimental_system) ## Previous hub tags Tree parent: [[Systems_theory]]. Legacy hubs: none. --- *Sources: 1 legacy note. Minted wave 1, 2026-07-30 (v1.6 order).*