We are rather like children, who must take a watch to pieces to see how it works.

If, as I have reason to believe, I have disintegrated the nucleus of the atom, this is of greater significance than the war.

The greatest contributor to the feeling of tension and fear of war arose from the power of the bombing aeroplane. If all nations would consent to abolish air bombardment . . . that would mean the greatest possible release from fear.

I must confess it was very unexpected and I am very startled at my metamorphosis into a chemist.

Don't let me catch anyone talking about the Universe in my department.

Every good laboratory consists of first rate men working in great harmony to insure the progress of science; but down at the end of the hall is an unsociable, wrong-headed fellow working on unprofitable lines, and in his hands lies the hope of discovery.

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.