Inference vs. Observation.

At the hospital; we typically see patient's that display a wide variety of observable symptoms that are then used to make inferences pertaining to their underlying cause. A classic example would be a rash. Typically, these are most offten treated as either a reaction to a fungal source or an allergic reaction to a new chemical.  The observable symptoms,  i.e the rash and any associated chatacteristics such as the type of nodules, scale, color etc all allow the provider to make an educated guess, or inference,  as to the method of treatment used (topical steroid if allergic or a topical antifungal if tinea based).