Zeteticism is closer to true science than the 'science' Round Earth Theorists use. Skepticism is at the very heart of science.
Heeeeey, Tom Bishop lives! And yes, observing, theorizing, and testing are the cores of science.
Except ... Zeteticism doesn't appear to do the whole 'testing' thing. They stop at theories and call it a day. Modern science goes on to figure out if these theories are correct, create new ones, expand them, etc.
If we didn't test our theories, then we'd still believe in things like spontaneous generation.
We do test our theories. Read Earth Not a Globe.
Hmm, interesting. I like how he describes how to do the experiments, but doesn't show his results. He says his results, sure, but I thought zetetics were supposed to be skeptical. Y'all don't seem to want to take anyone at their word.
So while one flat-earther a hundred years ago might have done experiments, there is no reason to believe his results were the actual results.
There are, however, many experiments that can be done today to verify the shape of the Earth, not the least of which (and probably easiest) is "Measure a Mountain." Be sure to take pictures, and taking measurements on multiple days is probably best to avoid atmospheric distortion playing too big a role.
As for the Bedford Level experiment, or anything involving a short stretch of water and the camera low to the surface, that forms ideal conditions for refraction to make the light's path match the curvature of the Earth.