One of these authors' "Speaking" (S) series: Statistically S 1996, Physically S 1997, Mathematically S 1998, Medically S 1999, Practically S 1999, this one 2000, Clinically S 2001, Naturally S 2001, & Geologically S 2002.  This topically arranged (e. g. ethics, science & religion) selection of quotations regarding science from highly diverse sources includes famous (e. g. Einstein, Bertrand Russell) & less known persons.  Items are arranged by author within each category, & includes some humorous line drawings, subject by author index, & author by subject index.  Some categories show considerable differences of opinion.  While many of the entries are rather elementary, a newbie could get a fairly extensive flavor of the scientific method & various views of science by reading the entire book.  The book appears more extensive than it is since entries (esp. reference data) are not densely packed.  Still, I selected quite a few for my personal collection.  Though many entries were rather dry & some downright foolish &/or opinionated, there were a number of wise/knowledgeable ones as well.  The biggest problem (other than quality density) IMHO is the incompleteness of many entries' references-not very scientific.  Some of my favorite quotes in the book are: p. 31: "It has been said that data collection is like garbage collection: before you collect it you should have in mind what you are going to do with it."  Russell Fox , Max Gorbuny, & Robert Hooke, The Science of Science Chapter 6 (p. 51)p. 107: "Knowledge has to be sucked into the brain, not pushed into it."  Victor F. Weisskopf, The Privilege of Being a Physicist Chapter 4 (p. 31)p. 122: "The man of science who cannot formulate a hypothesis is only an accountant of phenomena."  Pierre Lecomte du Noüy The Road to Reason Chapter 3 (p. 77)p. 296: Much of the loose thinking in social, educational, political, and economic affairs would be avoided if the workers in these fields could be given a real training in accurate scientific thinking.  Karl Taylor Compton, A Scientist Speaks (p. 39)p. 302: the majority of our opinions are wish-fulfillments, like dreams in the Freudian theory.  Bertrand Russell, The Scientific Outlook, Chapter I (p. 16)pp. 327-8: Only by such shuttling back and forth between the worm's eye view of detail and the bird's eye view of the total scenery of science can the scientist gain and retain a sense of perspective and proportions.  Paul A. Weiss, In Arthur Koestler and J. R. Smythies, Beyond Reductionism (p. 3)p. 342: The opposite of a correct statement is a false statement.  But the opposite of a profound truth may well be another profound truth.  Niels Bohr in Werner Heisenberg, Physics & Beyond, Ch. 8, p. 102Some quotes in my collection would have fit well in this book, e. g.: "Equations are more important things because politics is for the present, but an equation is something for eternity."  Albert Einstein, quoted by Stephen Hawking, "The Illustrated-A Brief History of Time" Bantam Books NY 1996, p. 235 & from "Leo Rosten's Carnival of Wit Dutton NY 1994: p. 341: Aristotle maintained that women have fewer teeth than man, although he was twice married, it never occurred to him to verify this statement by examining his wives mouths.  He said also that children would be healthier if conceived when the wind is in the north.  One gathers that the two Mrs. Aristotles both had to run out and look at the weathercock every evening before going to bed.  Bertrand Russell; & p. 344: There is just one thing I can promise you about the outer-space program: your tax dollars will go farther.  Wernher von Braun.

Scientifically Speaking: A Dictionary of Quotations, Second Edition PDF

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