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)
Plants whisper secrets to those who listen closely.
In the cell, we see the origin of all life forms.
Travel to distant lands enriches the soul and the science.
The persistent jiggle defies explanation at first sight.
Humility comes from contemplating the cell's complexity.
Every observation is a step toward truth.
The nucleus discovery was a moment of pure revelation.
Nature's intricacies humble even the greatest minds.
Particles in motion remind us of life's unpredictability.
Botany bridges the gap between earth and eternity.
I have been enabled to observe, in the greater number of instances, a most rapid oscillatory motion of the particles.
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.
The motion of the particles was not prevented by the most careful exclusion of air.
The general existence of active molecules in organic and inorganic bodies.
The nucleus, as a constituent part of the cell, is not confined to the epidermis of Orchideae.
I shall merely observe that I have found a similar structure, that is, a single definite spot in each cell, in many other families of plants.
The nucleus is a constant and essential constituent of the vegetable cell.
The discovery of the nucleus in the cells of plants is one of the most important contributions to vegetable anatomy.
The term 'nucleus' is now universally adopted for this body.
The movement of these particles, which I have termed 'active molecules,' is not confined to pollen, but is observable in a great variety of substances, both organic and inorganic.
Contemporaries of Robert Brown
Other Biologys born within 50 years of Robert Brown (1773–1858).