Carl Wilhelm Scheele

Chemistry Swedish 1742 – 1786 320 quotes

He independently discovered oxygen and identified several other chemical elements.

Quotes by Carl Wilhelm Scheele

I have discovered a new acid in cranberries, which I call benzoic acid.

On Benzoic Acid 1775

The properties of light are intimately connected with the properties of matter.

Unpublished notes

I have found a new acid in tartaric acid, which I call oxalic acid.

On Oxalic Acid 1784

The air is not a simple element, but a compound of two elastic fluids.

Chemical Treatise on Air and Fire 1777

I have discovered a new acid in plums, which I call prussic acid.

On Prussic Acid 1782

The study of nature is the noblest pursuit of man.

Letter to a friend

The most important thing is to be honest in one's observations and experiments.

Unpublished notes

I have discovered a new acid in grapes, which I call tartaric acid.

On Tartaric Acid 1769

The elements are the building blocks of all matter.

Unpublished notes

The pursuit of knowledge is a never-ending journey.

Letter to a colleague

I have discovered a new acid in rhubarb, which I call oxalic acid.

On Oxalic Acid 1784

The true chemist is one who seeks to understand the hidden forces of nature.

Unpublished notes

I have found a new acid in almonds, which I call prussic acid.

On Prussic Acid 1782

The most important thing in science is to be open to new ideas and discoveries.

Letter to a student

The world is full of wonders, and it is the task of the scientist to reveal them.

Unpublished notes

I have found a new acid in apples, which I call malic acid.

On Malic Acid 1785

The pursuit of truth is the highest calling of man.

Letter to a friend

I have discovered a new acid in gallnuts, which I call gallic acid.

On Gallic Acid 1786

The most important thing is to never give up in the face of difficulty.

Unpublished notes

The universe is a vast and complex system, and we are only beginning to understand it.

Letter to a colleague