Robert Hooke

I have here given a small specimen of the power of the Air in compressing and condensing other bodies.

And though his [the reader's] knowledge of some of these may have been more exact, yet I believe he will find very many that are altogether new.

It is the great prerogative of Mankind above other Creatures, that we are not only able to behold the works of Nature, but we have also the power of considering, comparing, altering, assisting, and improving them.

I do therefore humbly propose it to public consideration, whether the making of a good microscope be not one of the most difficult things in the world.

The pores of Cork are perfectly impervious to both air and water.

These pores, or cells, were indeed the first microscopical pores I ever saw, and perhaps, that were ever seen, for I had not met with any Writer or Person, that had made any mention of them before this.

I have endeavoured, so far as I am able, to deliver matters in such a manner, as may be most intelligible and useful.

The number of these pores is exceedingly great.

It is a great mistake to think that the eye of a Fly is a perfect microscope.

The next thing to be consider'd is the cause of the transparency and opacity of bodies.

For all the parts of the Universe are so link'd together, that one cannot be well understood without the knowledge of the others.

The world is full of wonders, and the greatest wonder is man himself.

The art of invention is the art of combining ideas in new and useful ways.

In philosophy, we must always be ready to change our minds when new evidence is presented.

The true philosopher is a citizen of the world.

The study of nature is the most delightful and entertaining of all human pursuits.

Nothing is too small for the attention of a philosopher.

The laws of nature are the thoughts of God.

The more we know, the more we realize how much we don't know.

The microscope opens a new world to our view.