Robert Brown
A botanist who discovered the nucleus in plant cells and described Brownian motion, the random movement of particles in a fluid.
Most quoted
"I have, however, been enabled to satisfy myself that the particles or molecules of the pollen of plants, and indeed of many other organic as well as inorganic bodies, when suspended in water, are in a state of constant and rapid oscillatory motion."
— from A Brief Account of Microscopical Observations Made in the Months of June, July, and August, 1827, on the Particles Contained in the Pollen of Plants; and on the General Existence of Active Molecules in Organic and Inorganic Bodies., 1827
"This motion was such as to satisfy me, after frequently repeated observation, that it was not caused either by currents in the fluid, or by its gradual evaporation, but belonged to the particle itself."
— from A Brief Account of Microscopical Observations Made in the Months of June, July, and August, 1827, on the Particles Contained in the Pollen of Plants; and on the General Existence of Active Molecules in Organic and Inorganic Bodies., 1827
"This motion was such as to satisfy me, after frequently repeated observation, that it arose neither from currents in the fluid, nor from its gradual evaporation, but belonged to the particle itself."
— from A Brief Account of Microscopical Observations Made in the Months of June, July, and August, 1827, on the Particles Contained in the Pollen of Plants; and on the General Existence of Active Molecules in Organic and Inorganic Bodies, 1827
All quotes by Robert Brown (343)
The world is full of wonders, but we are too busy to appreciate them.
It is a great pity that we cannot live forever, for there is so much to discover.
The more I know, the more I realize how much there is to know.
I have always been a great admirer of curiosity, for it is the engine of all progress.
The greatest enemy of progress is not ignorance, it is the illusion of certainty.
I have often wondered why it is that the most knowledgeable people are always the most humble.
The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.
Life is a puzzle, and we are all trying to put the pieces together.
The only thing I know for certain is that I am always learning.
I am not a man of many answers, but I am a man of many questions.
The more I observe, the more I realize how much there is to observe.
It is a great misfortune to be born with an inquiring mind, for it makes one never satisfied.
The greatest discovery is to realize that you are a part of something larger than yourself.
I have often thought that if I had my life to live over again, I would be a natural historian.
The world is full of mysteries, but we are too busy to ponder them.
It is a great pity that we cannot live forever, for there is so much to understand.
The more I understand, the more I realize how little I truly comprehend.
I have always been a great admirer of doubt, for it is the beginning of wisdom.
The greatest enemy of understanding is not ignorance, it is the illusion of complete knowledge.
I have often wondered why it is that the most profound insights come from the simplest observations.
Contemporaries of Robert Brown
Other Biologys born within 50 years of Robert Brown (1773–1858).