I finally reached the conclusion that mathematics was the study I was best fitted to follow, though I did not clearly see in what way I should turn the subject to account. Simon Newcomb More Quotes by Simon Newcomb More Quotes From Simon Newcomb We are probably nearing the limit of all we can know about astronomy. Simon Newcomb limits science knowledge 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. Simon Newcomb simple science knowledge My father was the most rational and the most dispassionate of men. Simon Newcomb boyfriend dad father 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. Simon Newcomb graduation inspirational funny As the existence of a corps of professors of mathematics is peculiar to our navy, as well as an apparent, perhaps a real, anomaly, some account of it may be of interest. Simon Newcomb navy sensual real Aerial flight is one of that class of problems with which man will never be able to cope. . . . The example of the bird does not prove that man can fly. Imagine the proud possessor of the aeroplane darting through the air at a speed of several hundred feet per second. It is the speed alone that sustains him. How is he ever going to stop? Simon Newcomb future air men Aerial flight is one of that class of problems with which man will never be able to cope. Simon Newcomb class men science In 1860 a total eclipse of the sun was visible in British America. Simon Newcomb eclipse-of-the-sun british america My father followed, during most of his life, the precarious occupation of a country school teacher. Simon Newcomb teacher country father Though born in Nova Scotia, I am of almost pure New England descent. Simon Newcomb nova-scotia descent england All attempts at artificial aviation are not only dangerous to human life, but foredoomed to failure from the engineering standpoint. Simon Newcomb human-life engineering aviation The beginning of 1856 found me teaching in the family of a planter named Bryan, residing in Prince George County, Md., some fifteen or twenty miles from Washington. Simon Newcomb fifteen twenties teaching James Edward Oliver might have been one of the great mathematicians of his time had he not been absolutely wanting in the power of continuous work. Simon Newcomb might-have-been mathematician might I was taught the alphabet by my aunts before I was four years old, and I was reading the Bible in class and beginning geography when I was six. Simon Newcomb aunt reading years Aerial flight is one of that class of problems with which men will never have to cope. Simon Newcomb problems will never men In October, 1865, occurred what was, in my eyes, the greatest event in the history of the observatory. The new transit circle arrived from Berlin in its boxes. Simon Newcomb circle eyes new history A suggestion had been made to me looking toward a professorship in some Western college, but after due consideration, I declined to consider the matter. Simon Newcomb looking me college matter Astronomers are greatly disappointed when, having traveled halfway around the world to see an eclipse, clouds prevent a sight of it; and yet a sense of relief accompanies the disappointment. Simon Newcomb see disappointment clouds world
