James B. Sumner

I have been told that I was attempting the impossible, but I have always been a little deaf to such advice.

The isolation of an enzyme in crystalline form was a challenge that seemed to defy all previous efforts.

It is a great satisfaction to me to know that the work on urease, which was so long considered impossible, has finally been crowned with success.

The enzyme is a protein. This statement, once a heresy, is now a dogma.

One must be prepared to spend a great deal of time and effort on a problem before expecting a solution.

Science is not a game of chance, but a game of patience and perseverance.

The greatest joy in scientific research is the moment of discovery, however small.

To isolate an enzyme in crystalline form was like trying to catch a ghost.

My work on urease was met with considerable skepticism, which only fueled my determination.

The path to scientific truth is often winding and full of unexpected turns.

The beauty of science lies in its ability to unravel the mysteries of nature.

I never gave up, even when others told me it was a waste of time.

The crystalline enzyme was a tangible proof of the protein nature of enzymes.

It is important to have a clear hypothesis, but also to be open to unexpected results.

The scientific method is a powerful tool for understanding the world around us.

My early experiments were crude, but they laid the groundwork for later success.

The isolation of urease was a turning point in enzyme chemistry.

One must be willing to challenge established beliefs in order to advance science.

The pursuit of knowledge is a lifelong journey.

I was fortunate to have colleagues who supported my unconventional ideas.