It is a misfortune for a science to be born too late when the means of observation have become too perfect. That is what is happening at this moment with respect to physical chemistry; the founders are hampered in their general grasp by third and fourth decimal places.
Henri PoincareWhat is it indeed that gives us the feeling of elegance in a solution, in a demonstration?
Henri PoincareIt is the simple hypotheses of which one must be most wary; because these are the ones that have the most chances of passing unnoticed.
Henri PoincareWhat is a good definition? For the philosopher or the scientist, it is a definition which applies to all the objects to be defined, and applies only to them; it is that which satisfies the rules of logic. But in education it is not that; it is one that can be understood by the pupils.
Henri PoincareA first fact should surprise us, or rather would surprise us if we were not used to it. How does it happen there are people who do not understand mathematics? If mathematics invokes only the rules of logic, such as are accepted by all normal minds...how does it come about that so many persons are here refractory?
Henri Poincare