The energy produced by the breaking down of the atom is a very poor kind of thing. Anyone who expects a source of power from the transformation of these atoms is talking moonshine.

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

That which is not measurable is not science. That which is not physics is stamp collecting.

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.

I have to keep going, as there are always people on my track. I have to publish my present work as rapidly as possible in order to keep in the race. The best sprinters in this road of investigation are Becquerel and the Curies.

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

Gentlemen, now you will see that now you see nothing. And why you see nothing you will see presently.