Charles Augustus Young Quotes

9 Sourced Quotes

The statical theory [of tides] becomes utterly unsatisfactory in regard to what actually takes place, and it is necessary to depend almost entirely upon the results of observation, using the theory merely as a guide in the discussion of the observations.

Charles Augustus Young
Prediction is always hazardous, especially so in scientific matters.

Charles Augustus Young
In the present state of science many of the questions thus suggested seem to be hopelessly beyond the reach of investigation, while others appear like problems which time and patient work will solve, and others yet have already received clear and decided answers.

Charles Augustus Young
If interplanetary space were slightly dusty, we should see, accompanying the earth and moon and each of the planets, a long black shadow projecting behind it and travelling with it.

Charles Augustus Young
At present the end and object of astronomical study is chiefly knowledge pure and simple; so far as now appears, its development has less direct bearing upon the material interests of mankind than that of any other of the natural sciences.

Charles Augustus Young
The heights of science are not, like earthly mountaintops, barren and icy, but clothed with verdure and bathed in the light of heaven, where one breathes untainted air and enjoys most glorious prospects.

Charles Augustus Young
The germs of the future are now present in various stages of development, and many of them so far advanced that we can already form some idea of what the product is to be.

Charles Augustus Young
As we try to penetrate the future of our science, a small portion of what lies nearest appears reasonably distinct, and we feel confident that sturdy persistence in following certain paths in which astronomers are now treading will carry them well forward into regions now visible but dimly, if at all.

Charles Augustus Young
Astronomers do not overlook a wide and open valley, but rather from the foothills of a mountain range, look upward into mists and clouds, and every path soon disappears into obscurity, except where here and there sunlight breaks through.

Charles Augustus Young