The study of nature with a view to works is engaged in by the mechanic, the mathematician, the physician, the alchemist, and the magician; but by all as things now are with slight endeavour and scanty success.

A forbidden writing is thought to be a certain spark of truth, that flies up in the face of them who seek to tread it out.

He that plots to be the only figure among ciphers [zeros], is the decay of the whole age.

Perils commonly ask to be paid in pleasures.

Photographs are not only points of reference... they're often triggers of ideas.

Men are rather beholden ... generally to chance or anything else, than to logic, for the invention of arts and sciences.

Men of noble birth are noted to be envious towards new men when they rise. For the distance is altered, and it is like a deceit of the eye, that when others come on they think themselves go back.