Quotes from Pliny

There is in them a softer fire than the ruby, there is the brilliant purple of the amethyst, and the sea green of the emerald - all shining together in incredible union. Some by their splendor rival the colors of the painters, others the flame of burning sulphur or of fire quickened by oil.

He picked something out of everything he read.

There is no book so bad it does not contain something good.

Shoemaker, stick to your last.