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

"I have often observed that those who are most unwilling to acknowledge their errors, are generally the most in the wrong."

"I have always looked upon the study of nature as a kind of religious duty."

"I have chosen to write in English, that my countrymen might profit from my labors."

"I have always taken a delight in observing the various phenomena of nature, and in trying to find out their causes."