Memory
The Science of Cooperation
The 29 months that I spent at Professor Eyring’s laboratory were the most memorable of my life. Even after 20 years of teaching and research at Tohoku University I still had my doubts concerning the attitudes and way of life of scientists. This was probably because modern science had only recently been introduced to Japan, and stress had been placed on the technical application of scientific knowledge.
Not only did my discussions with Professor Eyring further my study of catalytic reaction rates, but my personal contact with him helped me to acquire a viewpoint that continues to guide me through my research life. This was the most important aspect of my experience at the University of Utah.
Once we were discussing a manuscript which described our research and which contained a criticism of earlier researchers. Professor Eyring asked, “Why should we be so concerned with the mistakes of others? I myself make mistakes from time to time. Science progresses with the cooperation of many scientists.” This was the only reprimand I received from this great teacher, who usually chided only with a sense of humor. It was this experience with Dr. Eyring that, like an enlightening word of a Zen priest in Japan, freed me from my long-pending doubt.