James Clerk Maxwell

“I have also cleared the electromagnetic theory of light from all unwarrantable assumption, so that we may safely determine the velocity of light by measuring the attraction between bodies kept at a given difference of potential, the value of which is known in electromagnetic measure.”

“I have also a paper afloat, with an electromagnetic theory of light, which, till I am convinced to the contrary, I hold to be great guns.”

“We may find illustrations of the highest doctrines of science in games and gymnastics, in travelling by land and by water, in storms of the air and of the sea, and wherever there is matter in motion.”

“It is of great advantage to the student of any subject to read the original memoirs on that subject, for science is always most completely assimilated when it is in the nascent state...”

“Colour as perceived by us is a function of three independent variables at least three are I think sufficient, but time will show if I thrive.”

“The 2nd law of thermodynamics has the same degree of truth as the statement that if you throw a tumblerful of water into the sea, you cannot get the same tumblerful of water out again.”

“Aye, I suppose I could stay up that late.”

“The equations at which we arrive must be such that a person of any nation, by substituting the numerical values of the quantities as measured by his own national units, would obtain a true result.”

“In every branch of knowledge the progress is proportional to the amount of facts on which to build, and therefore to the facility of obtaining data.”

“How the learned fool would wonder               The control of worldly Pride.”

“By the hollow mauntain-sideWords of Truth from words of Pride.”

“Ask no more, then, "what is best,     Calls them to rest from living.”

“But listen, what harmony holy   And join in the mystical strain.”

“The world may be utterly crazy   And would not quit life for its pain.”