Simon Newcomb Quotes

A collection of quotes by Simon Newcomb.

Simon Newcomb (1835-1909) was a Canadian-American astronomer and mathematician. Known for his significant contributions to celestial mechanics, he helped refine the computation of planetary orbits and made important advancements in the field of mathematical physics. Newcomb played a critical role in modernizing the United States' Nautical Almanac Office and served as its director for many years. He was also an advocate for stricter adherence to scientific principles in economic and social policy. Newcomb's work greatly influenced the development of mathematical astronomy and earned him widespread recognition and numerous awards during his lifetime.

What we now call school training, the pursuit of fixed studi

What we now call school training, the pursuit of fixed studies at stated hours under the constant guidance of a teacher, I could scarcely be said to have enjoyed.

Teacher

The result was that, if it happened to clear off after a clo

The result was that, if it happened to clear off after a cloudy evening, I frequently arose from my bed at any hour of the night or morning and walked two miles to the observatory to make some observation included in the programme.

Morning

My father was the most rational and the most dispassionate o

My father was the most rational and the most dispassionate of men.

Dad

The time was not yet ripe for the growth of mathematical sci

The time was not yet ripe for the growth of mathematical science among us, and any development that might have taken place in that direction was rudely stopped by the civil war.

Science

One hardly knows where, in the history of science, to look f

One hardly knows where, in the history of science, to look for an important movement that had its effective start in so pure and simple an accident as that which led to the building of the great Washington telescope, and went on to the discovery of the satellites of Mars.

Science

The human animal cannot be trusted for anything good except

The human animal cannot be trusted for anything good except en masse. The combined thought and action of the whole people of any race, creed or nationality, will always point in the right direction.

Future

In 1858 I received the degree of D. S. from the Lawrence Sci

In 1858 I received the degree of D. S. from the Lawrence Scientific School, and thereafter remained on the rolls of the university as a resident graduate.

Graduation