But it must not be forgotten that ... glass and porcelain were manufactured, stuffs dyed and metals separated from their ores by mere empirical processes of art, and without the guidance of correct scientific principles.

The finest imagination in the world could not have conceived of a better idea than the philosophers' stone to inspire the minds and faculties of men. Without it, chemistry would not be what it is today. In order to discover that no such thing as the philosopher's stone existed, it was necessary to ransack and analyze every substance known on earth. And in precisely this lay its miraculous influence.

The loveliest theories are being overthrown by these damned experiments; it's no fun being a chemist anymore.

From one sublime genius-NEWTON-more light has proceeded than the labour of a thousand years preceding had been able to produce.

We may fairly judge of the commercial prosperity of a country from the amount of sulphuric acid it consumes.

The progress of mankind is due exclusively to the progress of natural sciences, not to morals, religion or philosophy.

Without an acquaintance with chemistry, the statesman must remain a stranger to the true vital interests of the state, to the means of its organic development and improvement; ... The highest economic or material interests of a country, the increased and more profitable production of food for man and animals, ... are most closely linked with the advancement and diffusion of the natural sciences, especially of chemistry.