Photo source: Wikimedia Commons, Daniel Huntington
Benjamin Peirce (1809-1880) was an American mathematician best known for his contributions to number theory and statistics. He is also the father of philosopher Charles Sanders Peirce.
Geometry
"Geometry, to which I have devoted my life, is honored with the title of the key of the sciences." (Ben Yamen's Song of Geometry, 1853)
"There is proof enough furnished by every science, but by none more than geometry, that the world to which we have been allotted is peculiarly adapted to our minds, and admirably fitted to promote our intellectual progress." (Ben Yamen's Song of Geometry, 1853)
"I presume that to the uninitiated the formulae will appear cold and cheerless; but let it be remembered that, like other mathematical formulae, they find their origin in the divine source of all geometry." (Linear Associative Algebra, 1982)
Logic and mathematics
"Mathematics is the science which draws necessary conclusions." (Linear Associative Algebra,1882)
Metaphysics
"What is man? ... What a strange union of matter and mind! A machine for converting material into spiritual force." (AZQuotes.com)
"Gentlemen, as we study the universe we see everywhere the most tremendous manifestations of force. In our experience we know of but one source of force, namely will. How then can we help regarding the forces we see in nature as due to the will of some omnipresent, omnipotent being? Gentlemen, there must be a God." (AZQuotes.com)
