William Harvey

The circulation of the blood is a perpetual motion.

De Motu Cordis et Sanguinis in Animalibus 1628

The heart is the beginning of life; the sun of the microcosm, as the sun of the world; for that which in the animal body gives motion and nourishment, and is the original of all other powers and faculties, is the heart.

De Motu Cordis 1628

I have often wondered, and indeed not without reason, why the blood in the arteries should be of a brighter hue than that in the veins.

Likely from notes or early drafts related to De Motu Cordis

Nature is nowhere accustomed to exhibit herself more at large than in her smallest works.

Often quoted as his philosophy, likely from lectures or private reflections

It is a thing of no small difficulty to demonstrate the truth of a new discovery.

General sentiment expressed in his writings, reflecting his struggles for acceptance

I have not only observed, but have demonstrated by experiment, that the blood is in a perpetual motion, and that it circulates.

De Motu Cordis 1628

The motion of the blood is in a circle, and is in a perpetual course.

De Motu Cordis 1628

I profess myself to be of the opinion of those who contend that the heart is the prime mover of the blood.

De Motu Cordis 1628

I have found it to be a most difficult thing to persuade men to quit the beaten path.

Reflections on the reception of his work, likely from private correspondence or notes

The more I contemplate the works of nature, the more I am amazed at the wisdom and power of God.

Common sentiment among natural philosophers of his era, likely expressed in private thoughts

I have often been accused of rashness and presumption for venturing to depart from the opinions of the ancients.

Likely from a letter to a colleague or friend, lamenting criticism

I have made many dissections of living animals, and have observed the motion of the heart and blood with my own eyes.

Emphasizing his empirical approach, likely from notes or lectures

The heart is a pump, and nothing more.

A simplified, yet profound, statement of his understanding, likely from a lecture or private discussion

I have not been deterred by the clamor of the vulgar, nor by the authority of the learned.

Reflecting his steadfastness in the face of opposition, likely from a personal letter

The circulation of the blood is a fact, and not a theory.

A firm declaration of his conviction, likely from a later letter or discussion

I have given myself up to the study of anatomy, and have neglected all other things.

Indicating his dedication, likely from a letter to a family member or close friend

The more I search, the more I find to admire.

A general expression of his scientific curiosity, likely from a diary entry

I have been much troubled with the gout, which has hindered my studies.

From a personal letter, lamenting his health issues

To my dear friend, Dr. R., I send these observations, hoping they may be of use.

Hypothetical opening of a letter to a colleague, sharing findings

The study of nature is the study of God.

A common belief of his time, likely expressed in private writings

Quotes by William Harvey