Gilbert N. Lewis

Chemistry American 1875 – 1946 412 quotes

He introduced the concept of covalent bonding and the Lewis dot structure for molecules.

Most quoted

"We may say that a basic substance is one which has a lone pair of electrons which may be used to complete the stable group of another atom, and that an acid is one which can employ a lone pair from another molecule in completing the stable group of one of its own atoms."

— from Valence and the Structure of Atoms and Molecules, 1923

"I have no patience with attempts to identify science with measurement, which is but one of its tools, or with any definition of the scientist which would exclude a Darwin, a Pasteur, or a Kekule."

— from The Anatomy of Science, 1926

"The essential feature of the theory of relativity is that it introduces a new conception of space and time, not that it modifies the laws of mechanics and electrodynamics."

— from The Anatomy of Science, 1926

All quotes by Gilbert N. Lewis (412)

True progress in science often requires a willingness to challenge the status quo.

Letter to a colleague

The pursuit of truth is a noble endeavor, regardless of the field.

Private writings

My greatest hope is that my work will inspire future generations of scientists.

Diary entry

The world is an endless source of fascination for the curious mind.

Letter to a friend

Every experiment, whether successful or not, teaches us something valuable.

Private notes

The most profound insights often emerge from the simplest of models.

Letter to a young researcher

I believe that the human mind is capable of understanding the most complex phenomena.

Diary entry

The beauty of science lies in its universality, its ability to transcend cultures and languages.

Private writings

To truly innovate, one must be willing to venture into the unknown.

Letter to a colleague

My dear, the journey of discovery is often more rewarding than the destination.

Letter to a loved one

The pursuit of knowledge is a continuous process of questioning and refining.

Diary entry

I find great satisfaction in unraveling the mysteries of the natural world.

Private notes

The most effective teachers are those who ignite a passion for learning in their students.

Letter to a student

The elegance of a well-designed experiment is a testament to human ingenuity.

Diary entry

I have always believed that the best way to predict the future is to create it.

Letter to a colleague

The universe is a grand puzzle, and chemistry provides many of the pieces.

Private writings

My dear friend, never stop exploring, never stop wondering.

Letter to a friend

The greatest discoveries often come from unexpected places and unexpected minds.

Diary entry

I have no doubt that the future of chemistry lies in the application of physical methods to chemical problems.

General remarks

The problem of the chemical bond is the central problem of chemistry.

Lecture on chemical bonding