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)

A theory is a policy, not a creed.

Philosophical discussions

The electron is the ultimate chemical unit.

Discussions on atomic structure

The most important thing in science is to ask the right questions.

Interview

The greatest discoveries are often made by accident, but only to those who are prepared.

Speech on scientific discovery

The beauty of science lies in its simplicity.

Remarks on scientific aesthetics

We must always be willing to challenge our own assumptions.

Lecture on scientific method

The true scientist is a perpetual student.

Address to young scientists

Chemistry is the science of matter and its transformations.

Introductory chemistry lecture

The future of chemistry depends on our ability to understand and control chemical reactions.

Speech on future of chemistry

There is no substitute for hard work in science.

Advice to students

The most exciting discoveries are often those that overturn established beliefs.

Remarks on scientific progress

Science is a collaborative endeavor.

Speech on scientific collaboration

We must teach our students to think critically and independently.

Address on chemical education

The electron pair is the fundamental unit of the chemical bond.

The Atom and the Molecule 1916

I have always been fascinated by the nature of light.

Interview on personal interests

The concept of entropy is one of the most profound in all of science.

Lecture on thermodynamics

The scientific method is a powerful tool for understanding the natural world.

Public lecture

We must always strive for greater precision in our measurements.

Remarks on experimental design

The periodic table is one of the greatest achievements of chemistry.

Lecture on periodic table

The role of the scientist is to uncover the secrets of nature.

Speech to scientific society