The attempt of Lavoisier to reform chemical nomenclature is premature. One single experiment may destroy the whole filiation of his terms; and his string of sulphates, sulphites, and sulphures, may have served no end than to have retarded the progress of science by a jargon, from the confusion of which time will be requisite to extricate us.

ONLY a government that is AFRAID of its citizens tries to control them.

Peace and friendship with all mankind is our wisest policy, and I wish we may be permitted to pursue it.

When the subject is strong, simplicity is the only way to treat it.

I am never tempted to pray but when a warm feeling for my friends comes athwart my heart.

A little rebellion now and then... is a medicine necessary for the sound health of government.

Above all things, lose no occasion of exercising your dispositions to be grateful, to be generous, to be charitable, to be humane, to be true, just, firm, orderly, courageous, etc. Consider every act of this kind as an exercise which will strengthen your moral faculties and increase your worth.