Hermann Emil Fischer
He was awarded the Nobel Prize for his work on sugar and purine syntheses.
Most quoted
"The astonishingly close relationship between the chemical constitution and the physiological action of organic compounds is one of the most interesting and significant facts in the whole realm of biology."
— from Speech, 1894
"Organic chemistry is the chemistry of carbon compounds. Inorganic chemistry is the chemistry of everything else. And physical chemistry is the chemistry of nothing at all."
— from Attributed anecdote
"The chemist, like the artist, is driven by a profound curiosity about the nature of reality, seeking to understand the fundamental building blocks and their interactions."
— from Unknown
All quotes by Hermann Emil Fischer (412)
I have always believed that hard work and dedication are essential for scientific success.
The pursuit of scientific truth requires both intellect and intuition.
The development of organic chemistry in the last fifty years has been a triumphal march, and I am proud to have been a participant in this great advance.
Chemistry is not merely a science; it is an art, and the chemist is an artist who works with the most delicate and beautiful materials.
The synthesis of natural products is one of the highest goals of organic chemistry, for it allows us to understand the very essence of life.
Our knowledge of the carbohydrates has been built up step by step, like a great edifice, each discovery adding a new stone to the structure.
The lock-and-key principle, which I proposed for enzyme action, has proven to be a fundamental concept in biochemistry.
To understand life, we must first understand the molecules of life.
The pursuit of knowledge is an endless journey, and each discovery opens up new avenues for exploration.
I have always believed that the best way to learn is by doing, by experimenting, by observing.
The beauty of chemistry lies in its ability to transform simple substances into complex and useful compounds.
My work on purines laid the foundation for our understanding of nucleic acids, the very blueprint of life.
The scientific method is our most powerful tool for unraveling the mysteries of the natural world.
Collaboration and open exchange of ideas are essential for scientific progress.
The future of chemistry holds even greater promise than its past.
We must never cease to be curious, to ask questions, to seek answers.
The synthesis of caffeine and theobromine was a challenging but ultimately rewarding endeavor.
The study of proteins is a vast and complex field, but one that holds the key to understanding biological function.
Patience and perseverance are indispensable qualities for any scientist.
My greatest satisfaction comes from seeing my students go on to make their own significant contributions to chemistry.
Contemporaries of Hermann Emil Fischer
Other Chemistrys born within 50 years of Hermann Emil Fischer (1852–1919).