"The universal cause is one thing, a particular cause another. An effect can be haphazard with respect to the plan of the second, but not of the first. For an effect is not taken out of the scope of one particular cause save by another particular cause which prevents it, as when wood dowsed with water, will not catch fire. The first cause, however, cannot have a random effect in its own order, since all particular causes are comprehended in its causality. When an effect does escape from a system of particular causality, we speak of it as fortuitous or a chance happening […]" (Thomas Aquinas, “Summa Theologica”, cca. 1266-1273)
"Among all the studies of natural causes and reasoning, Light chiefly delights the beholder; and among the great features of mathematics the certainty of its demonstrations is what preeminently tends to elevate the mind of the investigator: Perspective, therefore, might be preferred to all the discourses and systems of the human learning." (Leonardo da Vinci, 1497)
"In the discovery of hidden things and the investigation of hidden causes, stronger reasons are obtained from sure experiments and demonstrated arguments than from probable conjectures and the opinions of philosophical speculators of the common sort […]" (William Gilbert, "De Magnete", 1600)
"As we divided natural philosophy in general into the inquiry of causes, and productions of effects: so that part which concerneth the inquiry of causes we do subdivide according to the received and sound division of causes. The one part, which is physic, inquireth and handleth the material and efficient causes; and the other, which is metaphysic, handleth the formal and final causes." (Francis Bacon, "The Advancement of Learning", 1605)
"The end of our foundation is the knowledge of causes, and secret motions of things; and the enlarging of the bounds of human empire, to the effecting of all things possible." (Francis Bacon, "New Atlantis", 1627)
"From a given determined cause an effect follows of necessity, and on the other hand, if no determined cause is granted, it is impossible that an effect should follow." (Baruch Spinoza, "Ethics", 1677)
"I understand that to be CAUSE OF ITSELF (causa sui) whose essence involves existence and whose nature cannot be conceived unless existing." (Baruch Spinoza, "Ethics", 1677)
"[...] that all men are born ignorant of the causes of things, and that all have a desire of acquiring what is useful; [...]" (Baruch Spinoza, "Ethics", 1677)
"To this purpose the philosophers say, that Nature does nothing in vain, and more is in vain, when less will serve; for Nature is pleased with simplicity, and affects not the pomp of superfluous causes. Therefore to the same natural effects we must, as far as possible, assign the same causes." (Sir Isaac Newton, “The Mathematical Principles of Natural Philosophy”, Voll. II, 1687)
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