3 Quotes & Sayings By John William Draper

John William Draper (November 20, 1811 – February 27, 1882) was an American astronomer and chemist, best known for his efforts to measure the density of stars and provide a quantitative measurement of their distance from the Earth. His early career was devoted primarily to physical chemistry, and he became interested in astronomy while working on a new process for tanning leather. He became an expert observer of the 1845 transit of Venus and subsequently became one of the founders of modern photometry, creating new techniques to measure the brightness and position of stars and planets. He also made important contributions to spectroscopy, photometry, precision mechanics, thermodynamics, and geophysics Read more

After his work in astronomy, he was involved in the development of photography.

1
The history of Science is not a mere record of isolated discoveries; it is a narrative of the conflict of two contending powers, the expansive force of the human intellect on one side, and the compression arising from traditionary faith and human interests on the other. John William Draper
2
As to Science, she has never sought to ally herself to civil power. She has never attempted to throw odium or inflict social ruin on any human being. She has never subjected anyone to mental torment, physical torture, least of all to death, for the purpose of upholding or promoting her ideas. She presents herself unstained by cruelties and crimes. But in the Vatican–we have only to recall the Inquisition–the hands that are now raised in appeals to the 'Most Merciful' are crimsoned. They have been steeped in blood! . John William Draper