Memory
Generosity: A Word that Describes Henry Eyring
In going through my notes of the reaction rate theory course I found one of my test papers and was forcefully reminded of the learning pains of youth. The test consisted of three questions from a list of 21 given out in advance. At the end of my paper there is a plaintive note to the effect that one of the three was the one question out of the 21 that I was ill-prepared to answer (as the answer clearly shows). I was surprised to get a B+ on the test. In retrospect, I suppose this grade was based more on my performance the previous three quarters than on that particular test.
The grade was generous, and generosity is a word that helps to describe Henry Eyring. His easy, outgoing, gregarious manner, combined with his generous praise of the efforts of students, aides, and peers and ready availability to all comers partially account for his exemplary impact as a scientist, teacher and person.