Ira Remsen Quotes

8 Sourced Quotes

The attitude of the world in general toward chemistry is peculiar, and, as this paper is intended to show, it is not what it ought to be. This is due in turn to a peculiarity of the science itself, which distinguishes it from most other sciences.

Ira Remsen
The popular lectures on chemistry which are usually delivered are not scientific lectures; they are frequently utterly lacking in everything that characterizes scientific method; and they leave no further impression on the minds of the hearers than that chemistry is a subject which enables men with the requisite degree of skill to become successful showmen.

Ira Remsen
The fundamental characteristic of the scientific method is honesty. In dealing with any question, science asks no favors. [...] I believe that constant use of the scientific method must in the end leave its impress upon him who uses it.

Ira Remsen
What is pure air? What is pure water? What food is appropriate? These are questions which can only be answered by him who is versed in chemistry. The very fact that discussions are still going on in regard to these subjects indicates clearly that they can not be answered easily, and yet no one doubts their fundamental importance.

Ira Remsen
A life spent in accordance with scientific teachings would be of a high order. It would practically conform to the teachings of the highest types of religion. The motives would be different, but so far as conduct is concerned the results would be practically identical.

Ira Remsen
We have drawn a line between the science and the art of chemistry. The character of the art is perfectly plain to every one. He who analyzes substances in order to decide questions solely of practical importance; who examines the properties of substances solely with a view of determining the practical uses to which these substances can be put; whose only problem relates to the applications of the truths of chemistry to the uses of man—he practises the art of chemistry.

Ira Remsen
The universe is inexhaustible, and its mysteries are inexplicable. We may and must strive to learn all we can, but we can not hope to learn all. We are finite; the mysteries we are dealing with are infinite.

Ira Remsen
Be a physical chemist, an analytical chemist, an organic chemist, if you will; but above all, be a chemist.

Ira Remsen