Edmond Halley

“I am well aware that what I am saying may be contradicted by some who are persuaded that the earth is motionless.”

“This sight... is that of the greatest and most noble spectacle that the mind of man can conceive.”

“Nearer the gods no mortal may approach.”

“Wherefore, if according to what we have already said, it should return again about the year 1758, candid posterity will not refuse to acknowledge that this was first discovered by an Englishman.”

“Nearer the gods no mortal may approach.”

“To the philosophic eye, the vices of the clergy are far less dangerous than their ignorance.”

“I am well aware that what I am saying may create a bad impression, as if I were seeking to overturn the foundations of all the established religions.”

“I have been so near the gates of death, that I have forgot what it is to be sick.”

“This sight I saw, and willingly could have seen it longer, but that I was hinder'd by clouds.”

“I have now seen the shadowing of the earth on the moon, and the moon on the sun.”

“Wherefore, if according to what we have already said, it should return again about the year 1758, candid posterity will not refuse to acknowledge that this was first discovered by an Englishman.”

“What I have done is to show that a comet may be a permanent member of our system.”