We must expect the discovery of many as yet unknown elements-for example, elements analogous to aluminum and silicon- whose atomic weight would be between 65 and 75.
Dmitri MendeleevRead
The edifice of science not only requires material, but also a plan. Without the material, the plan alone is but a castle in the air-a mere possibility; whilst the material without a plan is but useless matter.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Science needs both a solid foundation and a structured plan to be effective.
Dmitri Mendeleev emphasizes the importance of both material resources and a well-thought-out plan in the pursuit of scientific knowledge. A plan without the necessary resources is just an unrealistic dream, while having materials without a strategic approach leads to wasted effort. Therefore, effective scientific progress depends on the harmonious integration of both elements.
Themes
SciencePlanningMaterialStrategyFoundation
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a scientific conference to underline the importance of planning in research projects.
More from Dmitri Mendeleev
All quotes →No law of nature, however general, has been established all at once; its recognition has always been preceded by many presentiments.
Dmitri MendeleevRead
The most all penetrating spirit before which will open the possibility of tilting not tables, but planets, is the spirit of free human inquiry. Believe only in that.
Dmitri MendeleevRead
It is the function of science to discover the existence of a general reign of order in nature and to find the causes governing this order. And this refers in equal measure to the relations of man - social and political - and to the entire universe as a whole.
Dmitri MendeleevRead
The magnitude of the atomic weight determines the character of the element, just as the magnitude of the molecule determines the character of a compound body.
Dmitri MendeleevRead
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