"The first step in wisdom is to know the things themselves; this notion consists in having a true idea of the objects; objects are distinguished and known by classifying them methodically and giving th…"

"The stone grows, the plant grows and lives, the animal grows, lives and feels."

"The study of nature will reveal the divine order of creation."

"Nature does not make any leaps. (Natura non facit saltus)"

"I demand of you, and of the whole world, that you show me a generic character... by which to distinguish between Man and Ape. I myself most assuredly know of none. But perhaps I should still do it acc…"