Carl Wilhelm Scheele

The greatest discoveries are not made by those who follow the rules, but by those who dare to question them, and perhaps, bend them a little.

Some people collect art, I collect elements. Both are beautiful, but only one can truly explode.

My work is a testament to the fact that even in the smallest details, the grandest secrets can be found.

They say I'm a solitary figure. I say, the elements are far more engaging conversationalists than most.

The pursuit of knowledge is a journey, not a destination, and sometimes, the path is quite literally toxic.

One must be willing to get one's hands dirty, and sometimes, a little burned, to truly understand the world.

My greatest teacher has always been nature herself, though she often delivers her lessons with a rather sharp bite.

They say I'm a bit eccentric. I say, the elements themselves are far more eccentric than I could ever hope to be.

The universe is a grand puzzle, and I am merely trying to fit the pieces together, even the ones that smell a bit off.

To truly see, one must look beyond the obvious, and sometimes, beyond the pleasant aroma.

My legacy, I hope, will be not just what I found, but the questions I inspired others to ask, even if those questions lead to a few minor explosions.

It is not the quantity of the air, but a particular elastic fluid mixed with it, that is necessary for combustion and respiration.

This elastic fluid, which I call 'fire air' (Feuerluft), is absorbed by burning substances and by animals during respiration.

Phlogiston is not a simple substance, but a compound of fire air and a combustible principle.

The acid of sugar (oxalic acid) is a distinct substance, not merely a modified form of tartaric acid.

Manganese contains a new metallic substance, which I call 'magnesium' (though later renamed manganese).

The green color of plants is due to a peculiar acid, which I call 'acid of wood' (chlorophyll).

Glycerin is a sweet principle obtained from fats, and it is distinct from sugar.

The acid of milk (lactic acid) is a unique substance, not simply acetic acid.

All acids contain a common principle, which is 'fire air' (oxygen).