I am no poet, but if you think for yourselves, as I proceed, the facts will form a poem in your minds.
Michael FaradayRead
I think chemistry is being frittered away by the hairsplitting of the organic chemists; we have new compounds discovered, which scarcely differ from the known ones and when discovered are valueless-very illustrations perhaps of their refinements in analysis, but very little aiding the progress of true science.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Michael Faraday critiques the tendencies in organic chemistry to focus excessively on minor differences, arguing it hampers true scientific progress.
In this quote, Michael Faraday expresses frustration with the direction of organic chemistry, suggesting that an overemphasis on minute distinctions between compounds distracts from significant advancements in science. He believes that while such detailed analysis may highlight expertise in the field, it ultimately offers little value to the broader goals of scientific discovery and innovation, thus impeding progress in understanding important scientific principles.
Themes
ChemistryScienceProgressAnalysisOrganic Chemistry
In practice
Example use cases
In a lecture on scientific methodology, one might quote this to emphasize the importance of practical progress over trivial distinctions.
More from Michael Faraday
All quotes βIt is on record that when a young aspirant asked Faraday the secret of his success as a scientific investigator, he replied, 'The secret is comprised in three words- Work, Finish, Publish.'
Michael FaradayRead
When I consider the multitude of associated forces which are diffused through nature - when I think of that calm balancing of their energies which enables those most powerful in themselves, most destructive to the world's creatures and economy, to dwell associated together and be made subservient to the wants of creation, I rise from the contemplation more than ever impressed with the wisdom, the beneficence, and grandeur, beyond our language to express, of the Great Disposer of us all.
Michael FaradayRead
Water is to me, I confess, a phenomenon which continually awakens new feelings of wonder as often as I view it.
Michael FaradayRead
It is right that we should stand by and act on our principles; but not right to hold them in obstinate blindness, or retain them when proved to be erroneous.
Michael FaradayRead
Chemistry is necessarily an experimental science: its conclusions are drawn from data, and its principles supported by evidence from facts.
Michael FaradayRead
Similar quotes
If a given scientist had not made a given discovery, someone else would have done so a little later. Johann Mendel dies unknown after having discovered the laws of heredity: thirty-five years later, three men rediscover them. But the book that is not written will never be written. The premature death of a great scientist delays humanity; that of a great writer deprives it.
Jean RostandRead
Modern agriculture is the use of land to convert petroleum into food.
Albert Allen BartlettRead
The significant chemicals of living tissue are rickety and unstable, which is exactly what is needed for life.
Isaac AsimovRead
Perfection is crucial in building an aircraft, a bridge, or a high-speed train. The code and mathematics residing just below the surface of the Internet is also this way. Things are either perfectly right or they will not work. So much of the world we work and live in is based upon being correct, being perfect.
Bren BrownRead
I had a bet with Gordon Kane of Michigan University that the Higgs particle wouldn't be found.
Stephen HawkingRead
If we do discover more than one type of life on Earth, we can be fairly certain that the universe is teeming with it, for it would be inconceivable that life started twice here but never on all the other earth-like planets.
Paul DaviesRead