How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph) Note that chapters aren't numbered, so need to be numbered manually, 1 to 14.
Quote #7
"Sartorius has decided that it may be possible to use some form of energy to destabilize the neutrino structure." (8.43)
Shmoop likes the vagueness here: "[…] some form of energy to destabilize the neutrino structures." Sure, and Shmoop has decided that it may be possible to use some form of gehusaphritz to nemotize the flutterblurts. That'll show 'em.
Quote #8
It plays variations on the theme of a given object and embroiders 'formal extensions' that amuse it for hour on end, to the delight of the non-figurative artist and the despair of the scientist, who is at a loss to grasp any common theme in the performance. (8.63)
Here the ocean is presented as not being a scientist, but as an artist. In fact, it sounds kind of like it might be Lem himself, throwing up elaborations or noodling off there as he makes up his world, to the despair of other science fiction writers, who like things neater (with fewer flutterblurts).
Quote #9
Grastram set out to demonstrate that the most abstract achievements of science, the most advanced theories and victories of mathematics, represented nothing more than a stumbling, one or two-step progression from our rude, prehistoric, anthropomorphic understanding of the universe around us. (11.61)
More about how scientists know nothing. In particular, Grastram is saying that science is still anthropomorphic, which means it still sees the universe in terms of human beings. Scientists look at Solaris and see a huge brain, because the brain is the only thing that they have to look with.