Quaternions came from Hamilton after his really good work had been done, and though beautifully ingenious, have been an unmixed evil to those who have touched them in any way.

There is nothing new to be discovered in physics now. All that remains is more and more precise measurement.

There cannot be a greater mistake than that of looking superciliously upon practical applications of science. The life and soul of science is its practical application.

I have not had a moment's peace or happiness in respect to electromagnetic theory since November 28, 1846. All this time I have been liable to fits of ether dipsomania, kept away at intervals only by rigorous abstention from thought on the subject.

Radio has no future." "X-rays are clearly a hoax". "The aeroplane is scientifically impossible.

At what time does the dissipation of energy begin?

Science is bound, by the everlasting vow of honour, to face fearlessly every problem which can be fairly presented to it.