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
Similar quotes
There is no controversy within science over the core proposition of evolutionary theory.
Kenneth R. MillerRead
When an economist says the evidence is "mixed," he or she means that theory says one thing and data says the opposite.
Richard ThalerRead
Ever since the dawn of civilization, people have not been content to see events as unconnected and inexplicable. They have craved an understanding of the underlying order in the world. Today we still yearn to know why we are here and where we came from. Humanity's deepest desire for knowledge is justification enough for our continuing quest. And our goal is nothing less than a complete description of the universe we live in.
Stephen HawkingRead
It is a right, yes a duty, to search in cautious manner for the numbers, sizes, and weights, the norms for everything [God] has created. For He himself has let man take part in the knowledge of these things ... For these secrets are not of the kind whose research should be forbidden; rather they are set before our eyes like a mirror so that by examining them we observe to some extent the goodness and wisdom of the Creator.
Johannes KeplerRead
There is a reward structure in science that is very interesting: Our highest honors go to those who disprove the findings of the most revered among us. So Einstein is revered not just because he made so many fundamental contributions to science, but because he found an imperfection in the fundamental contribution of Isaac Newton.
Carl SaganRead
Nothing in the natural world makes sense - except when seen in the light of evolution
David AttenboroughRead