18 JAN 2012 by ideonexus

 War Must Rely on Chemistry

It were indeed to be wish'd that our art had been less ingenious, in contriving means destructive to mankind; we mean those instruments of war, which were unknown to the ancients, and have made such havoc among the moderns. But as men have always been bent on seeking each other's destruction by continual wars; and as force, when brought against us, can only be repelled by force; the chief support of war, must, after money, be now sought in chemistry.
Folksonomies: chemistry war peace
Folksonomies: chemistry war peace
  1  notes

A 1753 claim that it is the most important thing in support of war just behind money.

13 JAN 2012 by ideonexus

 Seeing Farther From the Shoulders of Giants

We are like dwarfs [the moderns] sitting on the shoulders of giants [the ancients]. Our glance can thus take in more things and reach farther than theirs. It is not because our sight is sharper nor our height greater than theirs; it is that we are carried and elevated by the high stature of the giants.
Folksonomies: quotes giants
Folksonomies: quotes giants
  1  notes

Bernard of Chartres quoted, elaborating on Newton's famous quote.