"Conjectures in philosophy are termed hypotheses or theories; and the investigation of an hypothesis founded on some slight probability, which accounts for many appearances in nature, has too often been considered as the highest attainment of a philosopher. If the hypothesis (sic) hangs well together, is embellished with a lively imagination, and serves to account for common appearances - it is considered by many, as having all the qualities that should recommend it to our belief, and all that ought to be required in a philosophical system." (George Adams, "Lectures on Natural and Experimental Philosophy" Vol. 1, 1794)
"Conjecture may lead you to form opinions, but it cannot produce knowledge. Natural philosophy must be built upon the phenomena of nature discovered by observation and experiment." (George Adams, "Lectures on Natural and Experimental Philosophy" Vol. 1, 1794)
"It is of the utmost importance to your real advancement in science, to avoid every source of error, or whatever may lead you to form an erroneous judgment. Now a true judgment can only be obtained by a profound view of nature, and a strict examination into the mutual connections and dependencies of things; you will hence see the necessity of strict and accurate examination, of time to acquire the requisite knowledge, and of attention to comprehend it: for among the various sources of error, we may reckon the precipitation of our judgment and a presumptuous ignorance as the principal." (George Adams, "Lectures on Natural and Experimental Philosophy" Vol. 1, 1794)
"Most of our philosophical instruments are measures of effects. The progress made in natural philosophy increases every day by the number of these measures; by these it still continues to be improved." (George Adams, "Lectures on Natural and Experimental Philosophy" Vol. 1, 1794)
"Nothing can be more shocking to reason than eternal time; infinite divisibility is not less absurd." (George Adams, "Lectures on Natural and Experimental Philosophy" Vol. 3, 1794
"The end of natural philosophy is to increase either the knowledge or power of man, and enable him to understand the ways and procedure of nature. By discovering the laws of nature, he acquires knowledge, and obtains power; for when these laws are discovered, he can use them as rules of practice, to equal, subdue, or even excel nature by art." (George Adams, "Lectures on Natural and Experimental Philosophy" Vol. 2, 1794)
"The human mind, like a mirror, must be smoothed and polished, freed from false imaginations and perverted notions, before it is fi t to receive and reflect the light of truth, and just information." (George Adams, "Lectures on Natural and Experimental Philosophy" Vol. 2, 1794)
"The knowledge of mechanics is one of those things that contribute to distinguish civilized nations from barbarians. From it the works of art derive much of their beauty and value; without it we can make very little progress in the knowledge of the works of nature. By this science we are enabled to improve every power and force in nature, and render the motions of the elements water, air, and fi re, subservient to the purposes of life." (George Adams, "Lectures on Natural and Experimental Philosophy" Vol. 3, 1794)
"The natural propensity of the human mind to know the cause of every effect often leads men into errors, and makes them satisfied with a word which does not remove their ignorance." (George Adams, "Lectures on Natural and Experimental Philosophy" Vol. 1, 1794)
"The principles of all knowledge are founded in mind; the mind of man, either animated by desire or pressed by necessity, puts in action it’s various energies, and unfolds the seeds of knowledge." (George Adams, "Lectures on Natural and Experimental Philosophy" Vol. 3, 1794)
"The study of nature is as much distinguished from other subjects by the importance of its matter, as by the variety of its topics." (George Adams, "Lectures on Natural and Experimental Philosophy" Vol. 2, 1794)
"The two kingdoms of nature and grace, as two parallel lines, correspond to each other, follow a like course, but can never be made to touch. An adequate understanding of this distinction in all its branches, would be the consummation of human knowledge." (George Adams, "Lectures on Natural and Experimental Philosophy" Vol. 1, 1794)
"Truth, though destined to be the guide of man, is not bestowed with an unconditional profusion; but is hidden in darkness, and involved in difficulties; intended, like all the other gifts of heaven, to be fought and cultivated by all the different powers and exertions of human reason." (George Adams, "Lectures on Natural and Experimental Philosophy" Vol. 1, 1794)
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