John Herschel
British astronomer who cataloged southern stars and pioneered celestial photography, quoted on the poetry of astronomy.
Quotes by John Herschel
The knowledge of the true system of the world is the noblest and most useful of all human acquirements.
To the natural philosopher there is no natural object unimportant or uninteresting.
The stars are not only the beacons of the universe, but the very dust of which we are made.
The grand aim of all science is to cover the greatest number of empirical facts by logical deduction from the smallest number of hypotheses or axioms.
The discovery of a new truth, or a new method of investigation, is an epoch in the history of science.
The more we extend our knowledge of the universe, the more we are impressed with the conviction of the infinite wisdom and power of its Creator.
Photography is the art of fixing shadows.
The highest aim of the astronomer is to determine the laws which govern the motions of the heavenly bodies.
The contemplation of the heavens is a perpetual feast for the mind.
The true philosopher is one who, in the midst of the most profound investigations, never loses sight of the practical applications of his discoveries.
The universe is a vast and complicated machine, and it is the business of the astronomer to unravel its mysteries.
The study of nature is the study of God.
The great object of all science is to simplify.
The stars are not only beautiful, but they are also useful.
The human mind is never so active as when it is engaged in the pursuit of truth.
The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.
The telescope is an instrument which enables us to penetrate into the most distant regions of space.
The true spirit of scientific inquiry is to be found in the patient and laborious accumulation of facts.
The universe is a book, and those who do not read it are missing out on a great story.
The most important discoveries are often made by accident.