When we have found how the nucleus of atoms is built up we shall have found the greatest secret of all — except life. We shall have found the basis of everything — of the earth we walk on, of the air we breathe, of the sunshine, of our physical body itself, of everything in the world, however great or however small — except life.

You know, I am sorry for the poor fellows that haven't got labs to work in.

The only possible conclusion the social sciences can draw is: some do, some don't.

When we have found how the nucleus of atoms is built up we shall have found the greatest secret of all — except life. We shall have found the basis of everything — of the earth we walk on, of the air we breathe, of the sunshine, of our physical body itself, of everything in the world, however great or however small — except life.

It is essential for men of science to take an interest in the administration of their own affairs or else the professional civil servant will step in - and then the Lord help you.

A good scientific theory should be explicable to a barmaid.

It was almost as incredible as if you fired a 15-inch shell at a piece of tissue paper and it came back and hit you.