Antoine Lavoisier
Father of modern chemistry
Sayings by Antoine Lavoisier
It is not enough to observe; one must make experiments.
Chemistry is a science of facts and experiments, and not of opinions.
I shall be happy if my work contributes to the progress of the sciences, and to the well-being of mankind.
The greatest discoveries are not made by chance, but by observation and reflection.
The operations of nature are always simple, and she avoids all unnecessary complexity.
It is not sufficient to know, one must apply.
The most important thing for a man of science is to have a clear head and a good heart.
It is only by means of experiments that we can arrive at the truth.
We must trust to nothing but facts, for we are to have no other guide.
The chemist, in his laboratory, is a magician who creates new substances.
Life is a chemical function.
The more I study, the more I am convinced of the existence of a superior intelligence.
It is not given to every man to be a Newton, but every man can be useful to society.
The desire to do good is the most powerful motive of all.
I have lived a simple life, devoted to science and to the service of my country.
The imagination is a dangerous guide in science, but it can be a useful servant.
I am a chemist, not a politician.
The greatest pleasure of the human mind is to discover the truth.
We must dare to know, and to speak what we know.
Science advances by correcting its errors.