"In chemistry, our theories are crutches; to show that they are valid, they must be used to walk. [...] A theory established with the help of twenty facts must explain thirty, and lead to the discovery of ten more." (Jean-Baptiste-André Dumas, "Leçons sur la Philosophie Chimique", 1837)
"In the study of Nature conjecture must be entirely put aside, and vague hypothesis carefully guarded against. The study of Nature begins with facts, ascends to laws, and raises itself, as far as the limits of man’s intellect will permit, to the knowledge of causes, by the threefold means of observation, experiment and logical deduction." (Jean-Baptiste-André Dumas)
"The art of observation and that of experimentation are very distinct. In the first case, the fact may either proceed from logical reasons or be mere good fortune; it is sufficient to have some penetration and a sense of truth in order to profit by it. But the art of experimentation leads from the first to the last link of the chain, without hesitation and without a blank, making successive use of Reason, which suggests an alternative, and of Experience, which decides on it, until, starting from a faint glimmer, the full blaze of light is reached." (Jean-Baptiste-André Dumas)
"The chemical compounds are comparable to a system of planets in that the atoms are held together by chemical affinity. They may be more or less numerous, simple or complex in composition, and in the constitution of the materials, they play the same role as Mars and Venus do in our planetary system, or the compound members such as our earth with its moon, or Jupiter with its satellites. [...] If in such a system a particle is replaced by one of different character, the equilibrium can persist, and then the new compound will exhibit properties similar to those shown by the original substance." (Jean-Baptiste-André Dumas)
"The scientific details which now terrify the adult manufacturer will be mere trifles to his children when they shall be taught at school, a little more Mathematics and a little less Latin, a little more Chemistry, and a little less Greek." (Jean-Baptiste-André Dumas)
"Till now it has been usual to discard a hypothesis as soon as it leads to absurdities, but to some modern investigators this course seems too inconvenient." (Jean-Baptiste-André Dumas)
"Truth is so beautiful that it deserves every effort a man can bestow to attain it; it is so fruitful that it carries along with it its own recompense. By keeping the end in view, without occupying ourselves with particulars, we find the ordinary details of prosperity and riches fall into their proper places." (Jean-Baptiste-André Dumas)
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