A gentleman scientist is a financially independent scientist who pursues scientific study as a hobby. The expression arose in post-Renaissance Europe but became less common in the 20th century as government and private funding increased.
Read more about Gentleman Scientist: History, Benefits and Drawbacks, Modern-day Independent Scientists
Famous quotes containing the words gentleman and/or scientist:
“O! I must tell you that I have fallen in love with a gentleman whom I have lately come acquainted with: he is about 60 or 70—has the misfortune to be humpbacked, crooked legged, and rather deformed in his face.—But, in sober sadness, I am delighted with the Dean of Coleraine, whose picture this is, and which I have very lately read. The piety, the zeal, the humanity, goodness and humility of this charming old man have won my heart. Ah! who will not envy him the invaluable treasure!”
—Frances Burney (1752–1840)
“As a scientist I’m afraid I’m a professional skeptic who doubts everything, even the certainties.”
—Karl Brown (1897–1990)