John Dalton Quotes

21 Sourced Quotes

Observations [of matter].have tacitly led to the conclusion which seems universally adopted, that all bodies of sensible magnitude, whether solid or liquid, are constituted of a vast number of extremely small particles bound together by a force of attraction.

John Dalton
Winds have ever been considered, with reason, as having a principal share in producing changes of weather, and therefore they demand a particular regard in meteorology.

John Dalton
We do not know that anyone of the bodies denominated elementary, is absolutely decomposable...

John Dalton
My head is too full of triangles, chymical processes and electrical experiments, etc., to think much of marriage.

John Dalton
Those who are conversant in practical chemistry, know that not more than one new experiment in five is fit to be reported to the public; the rest are found, upon due reflection, to be some way or other defective, and are useful only as they shew the source of error, and the means of avoiding it.

John Dalton
I should apprehend there are a considerable number of what may properly be called elementary principles, which never can be metamorphosed one into another by any power we can control.

John Dalton
I have chosen the word atom to signify these ultimate particles in preference to particle, molecule, or any other diminutive term, because I conceive it is much more expressive; it includes in itself the notion of indivisible, which the other terms do not.

John Dalton
The field of science is large; it is, therefore, impossible for any individual to cultivate the whole.

John Dalton
When we consider the very important part which the two elements of hydrogen and oxygen seem to perform in the arrangement of chemical compounds, we are inclined to wonder that no more than one compound of these two elements themselves should be found.

John Dalton
If I have succeeded better than many who surround me, it has been chiefly, nay, I may say, almost solely from unwearied assiduity. It is not so much from any superior genius that one man possesses over another, but more from attention to study, and perseverance in the objects before them, that some men rise to greater eminence than others.

John Dalton
These observations have tacitly led to the conclusion which seems universally adopted, that all bodies of sensible magnitude, whether liquid or solid, are constituted of a vast number of extremely small particles, or atoms of matter.

John Dalton
1. Small particles called atoms exist and compose all matter;
2. They are indivisible and indestructible;
3. Atoms of the same chemical element have the same chemical properties and do not transmute or change into different elements.

John Dalton
We should scarcely be excused in concluding this essay without calling the reader's attention to the beneficent and wise laws established by the author of nature to provide for the various exigencies of the sublunary creation, and to make the several parts dependent upon each other, so as to form one well-regulated system or whole.

John Dalton
A pure elastic fluid is one the constituent particles of which are all alike, or in no way distinguishable. Steam, or aqueous vapour, hydrogenous gas, oxygenous gas... and several others are of this kind.... Whatever... may be the shape or figure of the solid atom abstractedly, when surrounded by such an atmosphere it must be globular; but as all the globules in any small given volume are subject to the same pressure, they must be equal in bulk, and will therefore be arranged in horizontal strata, like a pile of shot.

John Dalton
The ultimate particles of all homogeneous bodies are perfectly alike in weight, figure &c.

John Dalton
When we attempt to conceive the number of particles in an atmosphere, it is somewhat like attempting to conceive the number of stars in the universe; we are confounded with the thought. But if we limit the subject, by taking a given volume of any gas, we seem persuaded that, let the divisions be ever so minute, the number of particles must be finite; just as in a given space of the universe, the number of stars and planets cannot be infinite.

John Dalton
Now it is one great object of this work, to shew the importance and advantage of ascertaining the relative weights of the ultimate particles, both of simple and compound bodies, the number of simple elementary particles which constitute one compound particle, and the number of less compound particles which enter into the formation of one more compound particle.

John Dalton
Chemical analysis and synthesis go no farther than to the separation of particles one from another, and to their reunion. No new creation or destruction of matter is within the reach of chemical agency. We might as well attempt to introduce a new planet into the solar system, or to annihilate one already in existence, as to create or destroy a particle of hydrogen. All the changes we can produce, consist in separating particles that are in a state of cohesion or combination, and joining those that were previously at a distance.

John Dalton
I was introduced to Mr. Davy, who has rooms adjoining mine (in the Royal Institution); he is a very agreeable and intelligent young man, and we have interesting conversation in an evening; the principal failing in his character as a philosopher is that he does not smoke.

John Dalton
Philosophers are generally persuaded, that the sensations of heat and cold are occasioned by the presence or absence, in degree, of certain principle or quality denominated fire or heat... It is most probable, that all substances whatever contain more or less of this principle. Respecting the nature of the principle, however, there is a diversity of sentiment : some supposing it a substance, others a quality, or property of substance. Boerhaave, followed by most of the moderns, is of the former opinion; Newton, with some others, are of the latter; these conceive heat to consist in an internal vibratory motion of the particles of bodies.

John Dalton
Berzelius' symbols are horrifying. A young student in chemistry might as soon learn Hebrew as make himself acquainted with them...They appear to me equally to perplex the adepts in science, to discourage the learner, as well as to cloud the beauty and simplicity of the atomic theory.

John Dalton