I have not the smallest molecule of faith in aerial navigation other than ballooning, or of the expectation of good results from any of the trials we heard of. So you will understand that I would not care to be a member of the Aeronautical Society.

The only census of the senses, so far as I am aware, that ever before made them more than five, was the Irishman's reckoning of seven senses. I presume the Irishman's seventh sense was common sense; and I believe that the possession of that virtue by my countrymen-I speak as an Irishman.

When you are face to face with a difficulty, you are up against a discovery.

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

Large increases in cost with questionable increases in performance can be tolerated only in race horses and fancy women.

Heavier-than-air flying machines are impossible.

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