Quotes by Ernest Rutherford

“I think a strong claim can be made that the process of scientific discovery may be regarded as a form of art. This is best seen in the theoretical aspects of Physical Science. The mathematical theorist builds up on certain assumptions and according to well understood logical rules, step by step, a stately edifice, while his imaginative power brings out clearly the hidden relations between its parts. A well constructed theory is in some respects undoubtedly an artistic production. A fine example is the famous Kinetic Theory of Maxwell. ... The theory of relativity by Einstein, quite apart from any question of its validity, cannot but be regarded as a magnificent work of art.””

“The only possible interpretation of any research whatever in the ‘social sciences’ is: some do, some don’t.””

“I've just finished reading some of my early papers, and you know, when I'd finished I said to myself, 'Rutherford, my boy, you used to be a damned clever fellow.' (1911)””

“Now I know what the atom looks like.””

“If, as I have reason to believe, I have disintegrated the nucleus of the atom, this is of greater significance than the war.[.]””

“The great object is to find the theory of the matter [of X-rays] before anyone else, for nearly every professor in Europe is now on the warpath.””

“You should never bet against anything in science at odds of more than about 10^12 to 1.””