It is beyond a doubt that during the sixteenth century, and the years immediately preceding and following it, poisoning had been brought to a pitch of perfection which remains unknown to modern chemistry, but which is indisputably proved by history. Italy, the cradle of modern science, was at that time, the inventor and mistress of these secrets, many of which are lost.

Tradesmen regard an author with a mixed feeling of terror, compassion and curiosity.

How natural it is to destroy what we cannot possess, to deny what we do not understand, and to insult what we envy!

The secret of great fortunes without apparent cause is a crime forgotten, forgotten because it was properly done.

Modesty is the conscience of the body.

Suffering predisposes the mind to devoutness; and most young girls, prompted by instinctive tenderness, lean towards mysticism, the obscurer side of religion.

Doubt follows white-winged hope with trembling steps.