Astronomy Quote by Martin Heinrich Klaproth
![“[Pechblende] einer eigenthümlichen, selbstständigen metallischen Substanz bestehe. Es fallen folglich auch deren bisherige Benennungen, als: Ресhblende Eisenpecherz, hinweg, welche nun durch einen neuen ausschliessend bezeichnenden Namen zu ersetzen sind. Ich habe dazu den Namen: Uranerz (Uranium)…” quote by Martin Heinrich Klaproth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/37e/martin-heinrich-klaproth-72236_astronomy_pechblende-einer-eigenth-mlichen-selbsts_689048.jpg)
““ [Pechblende] einer eigenthümlichen, selbstständigen metallischen Substanz bestehe. Es fallen folglich auch deren bisherige Benennungen, als: Ресhblende Eisenpecherz, hinweg, welche nun durch einen neuen ausschliessend bezeichnenden Namen zu ersetzen sind. Ich habe dazu den Namen: Uranerz (Uranium) erwählt; zu einigem Andenken, dass die chemische Ausfindung dieses neuen Metallkörpers in die Epoche der astronomischen. Entdeckung des Planeten Uranus gefallen sei. [Pitchblende] consists of a peculiar, distinct, metallic substance. Therefore its former denominations, pitch-blende, pitch-iron-ore, &c. are no longer applicable, and must be supplied by another more appropriate name.—I have chosen that of uranite, (Uranium), as a kind of memorial, that the chemical discovery of this new metal happened in the period of the astronomical discovery of the new planet Uranus.””
About This Quote
Source Historical Letter: 1789, communication to the Royal Society, Germany
A scientist renamed a mineral after the planet Uranus to honor its discovery, linking chemistry with astronomy.
In simple terms: Renamed a mineral to celebrate Uranus’s discovery.
Key Takeaway
Use naming to reflect historical context.
Themes
science
history
naming
astronomy
Mood
reflective
educational
Type
historical
informative
When to use this quote
- academic papers
- museum exhibits
- educational curricula
Key Concepts
eponymy
scientific tradition
Questions to Reflect On
- What impact does naming have on scientific memory?
- Should names reflect discoverer or property?
A Different Perspective
Naming can become outdated as knowledge evolves.
![“[Pitchblende] consists of a peculiar, distinct, metallic substance. Therefore its former denominations, pitch-blende, pitch-iron-ore, &c. are no longer applicable, and must be supplied by another more appropriate name.-I have chosen that of uranite, (Uranium), as a kind of memorial, that the…” quote by Martin Heinrich Klaproth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/8ef/martin-heinrich-klaproth-72236_chemicals_pitchblende-consists-of-a-peculiar-disti_1792283.jpg)
![“[Pitchblende] consists of a peculiar, distinct, metallic substance. Therefore its former denominations, Pechblende, pitch-iron-ore, &c. are no longer applicable, and must be supplied by another more appropriate name. I have chosen that of Uranium, as a kind of memorial, that the chemical discovery…” quote by Martin Heinrich Klaproth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/761/martin-heinrich-klaproth-72236_appropriate_pitchblende-consists-of-a-peculiar-disti_2854884.jpg)
![“Wherefore no name can be found for a new fossil [element] which indicates its peculiar and characteristic properties (in which position I find myself at present), I think it is best to choose such a denomination as means nothing of itself and thus can give no rise to any erroneous ideas. In…” quote by Martin Heinrich Klaproth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/a19/martin-heinrich-klaproth-72236_cases_wherefore-no-name-can-be-found-for-a-new_432955.jpg)
