Nothing clears up a case so much as stating it to another person.

Once or twice in my career I feel that I have done more real harm by my discovery of the criminal than ever he had done by his crime. I have learned caution now, and I had rather play tricks with the law of England than with my own conscience.

A study of family portraits is enough to convert a man to the theory of reincarnation.

It is with nations as it is with individuals. A book of history is a book of sermons.

Just see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil

Anything is better than stagnation.

I am engaged in answering that Italian buffoon, Mazotti, whose views upon the larval development of the tropical termites have excited my derision and contempt . . .