The whole object of science is to synthesize, and so simplify; and did we but know the uttermost of a subject we could make it singularly clear. - Percival Lowell

About Percival Lowell

Percival Lowell (March 13, 1855 – November 12, 1916) was an American businessman, author, mathematician, and astronomer who fueled speculation that there were canals on Mars, and furthered theories of a ninth planet within the Solar System. He founded the Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona, and formed the beginning of the effort that led to the discovery of Pluto 14 years after his death. He inspired H. G. Wells to write The War of the Worlds and Edgar Rice Burroughs to write his Mars novels. His sister was Amy Lowell; he was also related to James Russell Lowell and Robert Lowell.

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