Robert Boyle

Father of modern chemistry

Early Modern influential 100 sayings

Sayings by Robert Boyle

I have learned to distrust the authority of great names when opposed to plain experience.

mid-17th century — A direct challenge to the reliance on ancient authorities in science.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The human body is a most admirable engine.

mid-17th century — Applying his mechanistic view to human physiology.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I have always been a devotee of experimental philosophy.

mid-17th century — A self-description of his commitment to empirical science.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The properties of bodies depend upon the figure, size, and motion of their constituent particles.

1660s — A core tenet of his corpuscular theory.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I have seen the invisible hand of God in the workings of nature.

mid-17th century — Another expression of his physico-theological beliefs.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The business of a philosopher is to give an account of things as they are.

mid-17th century — Emphasizing factual description over speculation.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I have seen a dog, whose hind legs were cut off, and yet it lived for a considerable time.

1660s — Experiments on animal resilience
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The air is not an empty space, but a real and ponderous body.

1660 — On the nature of air
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I have observed that mercury, when heated, will rise in a tube against its natural tendency.

1660s — Early observations of barometric pressure
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

It is a sin to believe that God has forbidden us to examine His creation.

1680s — Defending scientific inquiry
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I once kept a viper in a sealed glass jar until it died, to observe the effects of air deprivation.

1670s — Experiments on respiration
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The transmutation of metals is not impossible, but exceedingly difficult.

1670s — On alchemy
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I have seen a piece of glowing wood continue to shine in a vacuum, proving that not all light requires air.

1660s — Optical experiments
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The blood of a living creature is a most elaborate and curiously contrived liquor.

1680s — On physiology
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I have found that freezing water can burst even the strongest metal containers.

1660s — Experiments on expansion
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

There are more things in nature than are dreamt of in our philosophy.

1670s — Paraphrasing Shakespeare on scientific discovery
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

It is a shameful thing for a Christian to be ignorant of the works of nature.

1680s — Argued that science and religion should not be in conflict.
Controversial Unverifiable

The Irish are a barbarous people, unfit for civilization.

1650s — Written in private correspondence regarding Irish rebellions.
Controversial Unverifiable

Women ought not to meddle in matters of philosophy.

1670s — Reflecting common gender biases of his time.
Controversial Unverifiable

I am not ashamed to confess that I am a Christian.

1690 — From 'The Christian Virtuoso'
Humorous Unverifiable