I am no poet, but if you think for yourselves, as I proceed, the facts will form a poem in your minds.
Michael FaradayRead
I think chemistry is being frittered away by the hairsplitting of the organic chemists; we have new compounds discovered, which scarcely differ from the known ones and when discovered are valueless-very illustrations perhaps of their refinements in analysis, but very little aiding the progress of true science.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Michael Faraday critiques the tendencies in organic chemistry to focus excessively on minor differences, arguing it hampers true scientific progress.
In this quote, Michael Faraday expresses frustration with the direction of organic chemistry, suggesting that an overemphasis on minute distinctions between compounds distracts from significant advancements in science. He believes that while such detailed analysis may highlight expertise in the field, it ultimately offers little value to the broader goals of scientific discovery and innovation, thus impeding progress in understanding important scientific principles.
Themes
ChemistryScienceProgressAnalysisOrganic Chemistry
In practice
Example use cases
In a lecture on scientific methodology, one might quote this to emphasize the importance of practical progress over trivial distinctions.
More from Michael Faraday
All quotes →It is on record that when a young aspirant asked Faraday the secret of his success as a scientific investigator, he replied, 'The secret is comprised in three words- Work, Finish, Publish.'
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When I consider the multitude of associated forces which are diffused through nature - when I think of that calm balancing of their energies which enables those most powerful in themselves, most destructive to the world's creatures and economy, to dwell associated together and be made subservient to the wants of creation, I rise from the contemplation more than ever impressed with the wisdom, the beneficence, and grandeur, beyond our language to express, of the Great Disposer of us all.
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Water is to me, I confess, a phenomenon which continually awakens new feelings of wonder as often as I view it.
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It is right that we should stand by and act on our principles; but not right to hold them in obstinate blindness, or retain them when proved to be erroneous.
Michael FaradayRead
Chemistry is necessarily an experimental science: its conclusions are drawn from data, and its principles supported by evidence from facts.
Michael FaradayRead
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