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.

The elements which are the most widely diffused have small atomic weights.

Why do they [Americans] quarrel, why do they hate Negroes, Indians, even Germans, why do they not have science and poetry commensurate with themselves, why are there so many frauds and so much nonsense?

There is nothing in this world that I fear to say.

Certain characteristic properties of elements can be foretold from their atomic weights.

When the elements are arranged in vertical columns according to increasing atomic weight, so that the horizontal lines contain analogous elements again according to increasing atomic weight, an arrangement results from which several general conclusions may be drawn.

The elements, if arranged according to their atomic weights, exhibit an apparent periodicity of properties.