Memories of Dr. Henry Eyring

"May I please see your belly button?"

Sherman Beck — Sun, 26 Jun 2011 15:35:43 -0600

Occurred: 1962

Early in 1962, I was a full time Seminary Teacher at the East Seminary next to East High School in Salt Lake. I was teaching 10th grade New Testament and had a 6-8 minute devotional session to begin each class period. Debbie, a student who had responsibility for that day’s devotional, came early to class. I asked if she was ready for her devotional, and she said: “I guess so.” Her response was unexpected, since she was an unswervingly dependable person. She then told me she had asked her neighbor a question about science and religion, which was part of her devotional presentation, and that the man had then offered to come and present the devotional to our class.

“Debbie, as a class officer, you know that visitors who present in Seminary must be approved by Brother Grant Hardy, our Principal,” was my reaction, with some small apprehension. About that time, Dr. Henry Eyring came in the door and said: “Debbie, is this the place?”

Debbie assured him this was the right place, and that she was happy to see him. He then came to me telling me that he was Brother Eyring, Debbie’s friend and neighbor, and he had agreed to come and give an eight minute devotional to our Seminary Class and was that okay? “Certainly!” I said in absolute amazement.

The other students came into the classroom. We only had about eighteen kids in the group; however, it was an excellent class, and they loved learning—not a real slacker among them. Debbie called on someone to pray and then introduced her neighbor, Brother Eyring. She mentioned he was a famous scientist, a fact most students seemed to know and appeared to be not overly impressed. She said that she went to the house next door to ask about evolution for her devotional assignment and Brother Eyring had quickly offered to come to her aid. After his comments to her, she expressed that she wished he could come and talk to the class. Dr. Eyring asked what time it would be, and finding out the class was at 10:15 AM the next day, said he thought he could do just that.

He spoke earnestly with a very quick review of his childhood and the scientific and religious questions that come pretty much to all human beings. In doing so he connected with the students. He said several times, “Like you, I wondered about this and that…” He then spoke of his scientific studies and how that each array of new knowledge that came to him strengthened his testimony of God, The Eternal Father, and the prophetic role of Joseph Smith. He was tremendous in connecting with those 15 years old kids! They were engaged and gave him full attention.

Winding up his eight minutes, he had the students as well as me enthralled in his message and in him. Hands were up with inquires from many students, and he looked at me, questioningly. It was clear that he loved this experience.

“Dean Eyring”, I said, “we would love for you to take as much time as you have or wish to take with us.” Good grief, he stayed the whole hour and kids stayed afterwards some going late to their next classes over at the high school in order to be around him longer. He took everyone’s questions—deep and profound, silly and ridiculous. He always dignified the asker. Furthermore, he was so tuned in that he said on two or three occasions, “Now this student has a question, I can see it in his/her eyes…” (they hadn’t raised their hands), and then he would pause waiting for the student to speak.

Among other things, he stressed time and time again that this is God’s creation and that all that God does is reasonable and logical. Life is the process of discovering not only what is, but why it is logical. Don’t be impatient, eventually true religion and true science will merge and become one comprehensive truth was his message. Just hold on for a few hundred years.

He said that the first thing he hoped to do after greeting family and friends in the hereafter, and after expressing appreciation for his life here upon the earth, would be to seek out Father Adam. He would express personal appreciation for Adam’s work and example and then ask: “ PLEASE, may I please see your belly button?” “If Father Adam has a navel, it will tell me so much,” said Dr. Eyring with a huge smile. “It will also bring a host of new questions. That is the way science and religion is. That is what eternal progression is all about!”

You Don't Need Equations When You Know the Subject That Well.

Dr. Rowland E. Felt — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 11:31:09 -0600

Occurred: 1959-11
At: Pullman, , Washington, USA

I attended a lecture by Henry Eyring given at Washington State College in Pullman, WA on the subject of chemical kinetics. He was sponsored by the American Chemical Society, and the lecture was for faculty and grad students at WSC and the University of Idaho. I was surprised by his presentation in that he didn’t use the chalkboard and lots of equations. Instead he had a flannel cloth over the chalkboard on which he moved pink elephants and grey clouds to describe how chemicals reacted with each other. It reminded me of Junior Sunday School. I was amazed at how easy it was to understand the rather complex subject. When I commented on the unusual method of presentation to a fellow faculty member, he replied, “You don’t need equations when you know the subject that well.”

Henry Eyring and the Nobel Prize

David G. Pihl — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 21:51:00 -0600

Occurred: January 8 2009
At: Salt Lake City, Utah, USA

I’ve known for much of my life that people thought Henry Eyring was deprived of the Nobel Prize because of his religous beliefs. The archivists at the Nobel committee’s own web site seem to be flummoxed by the question of why Erying did not recieve the prize. They have explained the apparent oversight this way:

“Nobel’s will laid down that the prize should be awarded for work done during the preceding year, but in the statutes governing the committee work this has been interpreted to mean the most recent results, or for older work provided its significance has only recently been demonstrated. It was undoubtedly this rule that excluded Stanislao Cannizzaro from receiving one of the first Nobel Prizes, since his work on drawing up a reliable table of atomic weights, helping to establish the periodic system, was done in the middle of the 19th century. A more recent example is Henry Eyring, whose brilliant theory for the rates of chemical reactions, published in 1935, was apparently not understood by members of the Nobel Committee until much later. As a compensation the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences gave him, in 1977, its highest honor, other than the Nobel Prize, the Berzelius Medal in gold.”

I Should Have Been Walking Too

Tony Morgan — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 11:15:48 -0600

Occurred: 1970s
At: Salt Lake City, Utah, USA

Henry’s wife Mildred was my mother’s first cousin, although a bit older. My father, who came to the U of U in 1951 from Los Alamos, as Director of Research, worked closely with Henry and always had the greatest admiration for him.

Henry was always solicitous, kind and gracious to me. I used to try to give him a ride home when I saw him walking from work but soon learned that it was an offer in vain, and it made me feel like I should have been walking too. When he was on the high council in Bonneville Stake, I was serving as executive Secretary to President Frank Gibbons, and Henry was such a refreshing delight to have on that body. Great man and great story to tell.

Dr. Eyring speaks to graduate class at BYU

Bonnie Helen Lach Oswald — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 09:32:43 -0600

Occurred: 1962
At: Provo, Utah, US

I am sorry I can’t give you the exact date, but when I was a graduate student and art instructor at BYU before moving to Boston to complete my thesis research, I was a graduate class student body officer. I invited Dr. Eyring to speak to the graduate class. He was gracious enough to come, speaking on faith and science. Bonnie Lach Oswald

A Man Who Got Things Done

Richard E. Turley, Sr. — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 23:55:38 -0600

Occurred: Early 1950's
At: El Paso, Texas, U.S.A.

Henry Eyring was the one responsible for my going to the University of Utah. I had gone to Texas A&M for 2 1/2 years before my mission. When I returned from my mission, I was working at the Romney Implement Co. in El Paso, Texas, a business involving Gordon Romney and Edward Vernon Turley (my father). Henry had come to visit his cousins, Gordon and Vernon, and I happened to be at the store.

Henry wanted to know what I was planning to do about my schooling. I sounded a bit uncertain; so, Henry invited me to come up to the U. I told him I would like that. Within in two weeks he had me registered into the University, he had reserved a dormitory room for me, and he had found me a part-time job! He was a man who got things done, and I shall never forget him.

The Janitor Presented the Seminar

Robert Grover — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 18:51:32 -0600

Occurred: Late 1970's

I was blessed during 1967-68 to attend a seminar for undergraduates by Dr. Eyring at the U. of U. College of Mines and Mineral Industries. At the time I was a practicing Mormon, but was totally oblivious to who and what this great man was. I was blown away by the seminar, in which I understood almost nothing, but recognized a great intellect, kindly man, and inspired teacher.

I’ve often wished I had known who Professor Eyring was during the seminar. I remember his voice. I remember him whimsically and futilely attempting to demonstrate molecular vibration rates with his fingers—and talking about “Old Man de Broglie” and Professors Bohr, Born, Einstein, Planck and others. And relating how Einstein “didn’t know beans.” Otherwise, his efforts were all but wasted on the biggest dullard to ever sit in one of his classes.

In the hallway prior to seminar, I had passed a rumpled, kindly smiling and somewhat elfin gentleman whom I thought, with juvenile condescension, might have been the janitor. Making deliberate eye contact with this skinny perfect stranger, he offered a genuine warm “hello.” Imagine my surprise when the janitor presented the seminar. I was subsequently pleased to read and be influenced for a while by “The Faith of a Scientist.”

I am a former Mormon who ultimately left Mormonism when I left Christianity, not because of science, but with study of the Bible. I am grateful, however, to still enjoy my associations with my Mormon family and friends (one of whom gave me this book). I’m grateful for an expanding appreciation of human life and experience that includes an awareness of the positive role religious belief can have in the lives of individuals and communities of all faiths.

Going the second mile for a humble undergradduate

David Brighton Timmins — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 14:56:08 -0600

Occurred: Sometime in the spring of 1952
At: Salt Lake City, Utah, USA

When I was still an undergraduate at the University of Utah in 1952 I got a note from the secretary of my major department saying that Graduate School Dean Henry Eyring would like to see me. With some fear and trembling that there was a problem with my major or with my graduation plans I showed up at the Dean’s office.

Dean Eyring told me he’d been going over my transcript and found that I had many more classes than needed to graduate. Moreover, several of these were Upper Division classes in which I ‘d gotten A’s which could count as graduate classes. If I took a couple of more summer school classes I could graduate with a Masters as well as my B.S. This meant that when I joined the US Diplomatic Service after graduation I was inducted one grade higher (with a higher salary) than others of my group of new Foreign Service Officers.

I wondered at the time why Dean Eyring would spend time going over the records of a humble undergraduate. I now realize he took seriously his objective of turning the University of Utah into a major graduate university and was rounding up every student eligible for a graduate degree. But I wonder how many other U students he gave such an important leg up in life.

David Brighton Timmins; BS, MS, University of Utah; PhD, Harvard; US Foreign Service Officer (ret.)

The Recipient of the "Doctor of Letters"

Julia O. Witmer — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 21:41:19 -0600

Occurred: Around 1964
At: Salt Lake City, Utah, United States

My grandfather Arthur H. Aamodt was the recipient of the Doctor of Letters that was mentioned in the Friend section of Mormon Scientist. I remember my grandfather talking about Dean Erying many times and the great respect he had for Dr. Eyring. He had such respect for him that he was the only speaker at my grandfather’s funeral.

Freshman chemistry class

Paul W. Jacobson — Fri, 23 May 2008 18:38:29 -0600

Occurred: 1956
At: Salt Lake City, Utah,

We had assembled for our morning chemistry class when it appeared the instructor was not coming. We were meeting in the large lecture room in the chem building on the circle at the U, and suddenly, in walks Dr. Eyring, to substitute in a freshman chemistry class.

We were studying atomic matter and he taught us about the electrons circling around the nucleus. What I remember best was how he described the nucleus as the furnace in an apartment building and the electron orbits as the different floors of the building. His point was that the outer orbits were not as stable as the closer ones, much as the tenents on the first floor were warmer and more comfortable that those on the top floor. I will never forget that lecture, and the fun he had teaching us this principle.

Henry Eyring – Inspiring Teacher

Clarence John Funk — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 11:12:52 -0600

Occurred: April 26, 2008
At: San Diego,

My wife, Joan, and I just finished reading “Mormon Scientist”. The book brought back many wonderful memories. We both attended Utah State University. Joan graduated in mathematics in 1965, and I graduated in physics in 1966. I enjoyed studying physical chemistry, and during this period I had the privilege of attending several lectures from Henry Eyring that were taught in Widstoe Hall.

During one his lectures Dr. Eyring sensed that many in his audience including myself were not following some of the technical points he was making in his presentation. He immediately stopped his discourse on chemical kinetics and made a provocative statement to the effect that his experience in teaching the chemistry faculty and students at USU had just provided another piece of evidence for his faith in the existence of God. He said that some of people in the lecture hall had clearly demonstrated that they were more intelligent than the other people in the room. He then stated that a gradation in intelligence could be observed in any collection of people who were now living on the earth or who had ever lived. Professor Eyring concluded his comment by stating that the God whom he believed in was the most intelligent person who exists in the entire universe.

I found no evidence that would refute Dr. Eyring’s testimony of the existence of a living and personal God during the six years I studied theoretical and applied physics at UCLA or during the forty-two years I worked on the collection, processing, and analysis of National Intelligence as a research scientist for the United States Navy.

A Family Home Evening with Henry Eyring

Jay Lindsay — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 15:54:25 -0600

Occurred: 1969 - 1970
At: Palo Alto, California,

While I was attending Stanford University President Henry B. Eyring was bishop of the Stanford Singles ward where I attended. The family home evening group I belonged to surprised Bishop Eyring by flying in his father from Salt Lake City. I give others the credit for making these arrangements. When I came to family home evening Henry Eyring (scientist) was already there. After a short lesson the curtain was drawn and the lights were turned on in the backyard where many from the ward were waiting to be part of the evening.

I sat next to Henry Eyring (scientist) for much of the evening. I knew of his reputation. I knew that he had won virtually all awards given in the field of chemistry. I was frankly in awe sitting next to him. But what I remember most was his unpretentious nature. He reminded me more of a grandfather than anything else. It was refreshing to be with someone who has done so much but has no need to remind everyone of his accomplishments.

Congratulations from N. Eldon Tanner

N. Eldon Tanner — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 11:24:51 -0600

Occurred: 1967-01-04
At: Salt Lake City, Utah, United States of America

January 4, 1967

Dear Brother Eyring:

I was delighted to read in the paper the other day that you were named to receive the National Medal of Science for 1966, the highest honor the Federal Government can bestow for academic achievement. You and those who are responsible for naming you for this honor are to be congratulated.

I know of no one better prepared for this honor, and it seems that everybody agrees. The thing which is most significant and which means so much to the youth of the Church is for them to realize that men can be worthy of and receive these high honors and carry on as devoted members of the Church living exemplary lives in every way.

Such examples add great strength to the message I endeavor to give our youth, which is that they should gain in the schools of higher learning all the knowledge possible so as to enjoy and contribute to the great progress that is being made in the many fields of learning. At the same time I try to help them understand that the teachings of the gospel are essential to their success, joy, and happiness in the world and will lead them to salvation and eternal life. Your life contributes greatly to this philosophy.

Again my congratulations.

Yours sincerely,

N. Eldon Tanner

Lunches with Henry

Jon Orgill — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 01:55:35 -0600

Occurred: 1977-1981
At: SLC, UT,

At some point in the late 70’s I wandered up to Henry’s office door. I was greeted with, “Where did you go on your mission?” I tried to explain that I didn’t go on a mission but I had five older brothers who did. Henry could see I was squirming and said, “Me neither, but I’ll tell ya where I did go; I went to hell and I decided I wasn’t going back.” Henry later told me this was a reference to his job with the steel mill blast furnaces. “Hell on earth” was how he described it. Henry said that was the reason he got an education, so he didn’t have to work in such a place.

We hit it off and I started to drop by Henry’s humble office and we would eat lunch together. Henry would tell me stories and patiently answer my seemingly endless questions about anything and everything. I had a new best friend.

On a number of occasions Henry’s son Ted, whose office was down the hall, would race past and Henry would call out, “Hey Ted you need to meet this guy.” I never met Ted, but I remember one day Henry rolling his eyes and saying, “Kids,” as he chuckled to himself. Henry then started telling me stories about each of his kids: “Ted’s like me and Hal’s more like his mother and boy that’s a blessing if there ever was one.”

Over the next few years I can’t think of too much we didn’t talk about. I admired Henry’s fine mind and his commitment to his work. What lives on in me all these years later and is emblematic of Henry’s life was/is his unique understanding and application of love. To me that was Henry’s example, that was his perfection.

I love Henry, I miss him, and I think about him all the time.

Surrogate Father

Sione E. Pauni — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 11:41:05 -0600

Occurred: 2008-03-11
At: Salt Lake CIty , UT, USA

My Father died when I was young, and it left a void where Gospel teaching and experience was to be imparted by a male figure. Part of this void was filled by the life and writings of Brother Eyring.

In my life Brother Eyring exists in the company of Neal Maxwell, Gordon Hinckley, Boyd Packer, Spencer Kimball, N. Eldon Tanner, and Hugh B. Brown, as men who have participated in teaching me the Gospel and living a Christ-like life.

Thank you so much for being willing to share this great man with the rest of us! He will forever be a great contributor to the development of my spirituality, as well as continually helping shape and reshape the lens through which I view Religion and the Gospel.

Much Love,

Sione E. Pauni

Faulty Exhaust, Firm Friendship

Dr. Blaine S. Clements — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 14:14:11 -0600

Occurred: 1946 onward

When I returned home from the Service in the spring of 1946, my father had moved his dental practice from Park City to Salt Lake. He and my mother had purchased a home at 2059 East 900 South just off of Foothill Boulevard. The Eyring family lived about three or four blocks west of my parents on 900 South in the original Monument Park Ward. My mother told me of Dr. Eyring’s fame as a scientist and I was anxious to meet the great man. I recall on a number of occasions walking by the Eyring brick home on 900 South and seeing Hal Eyring, a tall, slender, dark-headed teenage boy playing basketball in their driveway. I think he played on the varsity basketball team for East High School.

I was enrolled in a pre-med pre-dental program at the University of Utah and used the bus system to get to and from school. I caught the bus on 900 South near our home to 1300 East, and transferred to another bus to get to the university. Early one morning while waiting for the bus to take me to my usual eight o’clock class, Dr. Eyring drove by in his rather beat-up old car and offered me a ride to school. I jumped in and this began a very pleasant, and for me, fortuitous relationship. For the next two years, from 1946-1948 when I was married, Dr. Eyring picked me up at that bus stop many times. We always drove through the south gates of Fort Douglass up to the campus.

Several things about those rides with this famous scientist stand out in my mind. First, he was a delightful, friendly, unpretentious man—I liked him almost immediately. He had a quick wit and an engaging sense of humor, and he always spoke with great candor. Second, there was a leak in the exhaust system of his car and carbon monoxide seeped up through the floor boards, just about asphyxiating me by the time we reached the university. It didn’t seem to bother Dr. Eyring so I never mentioned it to him. The incongruity of a great scientist driving an old car with a faulty exhaust system always made me chuckle.

My soon-to-be wife’s brother, Dr. Truman Woodruff, was a Rhodes Scholar studying for his PhD at Cal Tech in Pasadena, California at the time. In the summer of 1946 Truman came to Salt Lake City specifically to take an advanced Chemistry course from Dr. Eyring. Truman confirmed to all of us the fame and international reputation of Professor Eyring. In our early morning discussions on the way to the University, Professor Eyring remembered Truman as a very capable student. I, of course, hoped my relationship with Truman would enhance my standing with Dr. Eyring.

When I graduated from the University of Utah in 1949, I applied to one dental school, The University of the Pacific in San Francisco, California. I needed two letters of recommendation and who better to write a letter in my behalf that the Dean of the Graduate School at the University of Utah and world-renowned scientist—my friend, Dr. Eyring. I feel certain his letter had much to do with my acceptance into the school.

Six years elapsed before I heard from Dr. Eyring again. I had graduated from dental school and was enrolled in the graduate orthodontic program at the University of Washington in Seattle, Washington. It was a surprise and pleasure to receive a note in the mail from Dr. Eyring inviting me to a lecture he was presenting at the University. In the note, he included the date, time and location of the building on the UW campus. I think he had obtained my address in Seattle from my mother. I was impressed that he had been following my progress in professional schools through my mother and flattered that he would take the time to invite me to his lecture. As I recall I had difficulty finding the amphitheater where he was lecturing so I arrived a few minutes after he had been introduced and started his lecture. Since there were over one hundred men and women in attendance, he didn’t know I was sitting there among the egghead graduate Chemistry students and professors. Although I had studied Chemistry up through Biochemistry—Chemistry was my favorite subject—I didn’t understand much of what he said and I told him so after the admirers and well-wishers had left. I shook his hand, thanked him for inviting me, and told him I didn’t understand most of his lecture. He replied in his typical self-deprecating manner, “Blaine, don’t worry, there are many things I don’t understand either.”

This brief meeting at the University of Washington brought to a close my relationship with one of the most interesting and likable men I have ever known.

Ph.D. Qualifying Exam

W Roger Cannon — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 20:32:23 -0600

Occurred: 1968

As background I wish to say that Henry Eyring influenced me more than any other person outside of my family. I grew up in the Monument Park Ward with the Eyrings. Henry Eyring was my home teacher, my Sunday School Teacher and the one speaker I was always excited about listening to. Ted Eyring was my Physical Chemistry Professor and wrote a recommendation for me to Stanford University. Hal Eyring was my teachers quorum adviser and later my bishop at Stanford, and Harden was a year older and an associate. I might add that I have been a professor of Materials Science for 27 years at Rutgers University in New Jersey, not far from Princeton, and one of my students won the prestigeous Wigner fellowship named after Henry Eyring’s associate at Princeton. I know many stories about Henry Eyring but I will tell just one.

Story: My Ph.D oral qualifying exam at Stanford had five sections. For each we would appear in an office with two professors who would quiz us on a subject. For kinetics I appeared before Professors Shyne and Pound. The question I was asked was to derive the Eyring kinetics equation. Before I started Professor Shyne commented, “That should be easy for Cannon. He comes from Utah.” I blurted out, “Yes, I know Henry Eyring well. He was my Sunday School teacher.” In response Professor Pound commented, “yes, I remember meeting Henry Eyring at a meeting of the American Chemical Society. A bunch of us Jewish fellows were standing around talking. Henry came up to us and started kidding us that to a Mormon we were all gentiles.” I often think of this incident and how Henry Eyring was not afraid of bringing up his religion among colleagues. I am also impressed with the story about his telling Einstein about the beliefs of our church.

Memories of Heaven

Enid Lee Davis — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 09:41:13 -0600

Occurred: 1948
At: Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Sometime during my second year at the University of Alberta (1948-49) I had an experience I have not forgotten. Actually I was told not to forget it. I was a young student and Dr. Sandean was my Chemistry Professor. He was dearly loved by all of his students partly because of his high academic standards and partly because of his unassuming folksy manner.

I remember one morning Dr. Sandean came to our Chemistry class in his familiar tattered lab coat and shoes with a scientific journal of some sort in his hand. He held it up and pointed to a picture on the cover of the journal. He said, “Do you know who this is?” I want you to take a good look at the picture of this man and never forget him. He is a very important man; his name is Henry D. Eyring. He is a Mormon from Utah. Dr. Eyring is a great chemist and he was my teacher when I was back in Heaven (we all knew that was Princeton). I want you to remember who he is because you will hear more about this great man in the in the future. And I did!

My grandfather was a friend of Henry Eyring

John Willis — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 12:42:58 -0600

Occurred: 1919 onward
At: Thatcher, Salt Lake, Arizona, Utah,

My grandfather Martin Mortensen was on the Faculty of Gila Academy, and Henry Eyring was one of his students. My grandfather later taught Science Education at what became Arizona State University. He and Henry Eyring kept in touch over the years. Once, while visiting Salt Lake, my grandfather and uncle went to the University to visit Brother Eyring. At that time he had a secretary whose job it was to keep out unwelcome visitors. As soon as Brother Eyring saw who it was he invited my grandafather in and they reminensced about old times in Arizona. My aunt and uncle have memories of visiting the Edward Eyring house in Pima. My cousin was able to read the interview with Henry Eyring published in Dialgoue in 1974 and it brought back many memories for him.

My grandfather, like Henry Eyring was a man of science who also had great faith. They both believed that the scriptures told us why the world was created, while science could teach us how it was created and how long it took the Lord to do it.

I hope that one thing this biography will do is to make more people aware of the B.H Roberts, James E. Talmadge, John A. Widstoe and Henry Eyring tradition of seeking to integrate the scientific and spiritual perspective. I am proud to be an insignifcant contemporary part of that tradition. Like Henry J. Eyring , the author of this wonderful biography, I think it is in our DNA.

The Fleet-footed Professor

Wendell J. Ashton — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 00:18:35 -0600

Occurred: 1970

[Written in 1970]

Last night I almost caused a traffic pileup while driving home from the office. Along the highway I saw a shirt-sleeved friend, briefcase in hand, walking briskly toward his home, over a mile away. My first impulse was to slam on the brakes and offer him a ride.

Then I remembered that he likes to get out and walk like a schoolboy to and from his office. He is also known to enjoy competing in foot races with his college students. At times he seems thoroughly to love being a boy again, though his hair is silver and his reputation as an eminent chemist circles the globe. His name is Henry Eyring.

Dr. Eyring has conquered many frontiers in chemistry. I have seen him take a complex, even frightening, subject in his field and in a lecture make it readily understandable to us laymen. More than that, his talks on science and religion can be as refreshingly exciting and elevating as a high ride on a ski lift. Perhaps a reason is that he can put aside his cares and lose himself in boyhood bliss.

The Larson Stories

G. O. Larson — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 00:18:35 -0600

Occurred: 1950 onward

In the 1950 school year I made an appointment with Dean Eyring to ask his approval for an adjustment of credits, to let some better grades outside of my minor be counted instead of ‘C’ grades I had received in Biochemistry (a “forced” minor). When I told him of my greater interest in dyes and physics, Dr. Eyring questioned my motives for preferring these more commercially applicable fields. He asked, “Where would you sell your information?”

In 1964, while I was head of the Chemistry Department at Westminster College, I often attended University of Utah Chemistry seminars. One presentation, by Edward Eyring (Dr. Eyring’s son and a member of the faculty) was on Ted’s specialty of “ultra-fast reactions.” As he was describing some recent success, I heard his father call out: “Have you published on this?” When Ted answered, “Not yet,” Henry almost seemed to scold him for the delay.

When Henry went to attend a meeting in Stockholm in early summer, 1953, he also found the LDS chapel to a sacrament meeting. He didn’t introduce himself (as a General Sunday School Board member) and took a seat at the rear of the chapel. Mission President Clarence Johnson was away, and since the local leaders did not know Henry, he wasn’t recognized. A Utah-based businessman was also present at that meeting, and his wife became upset with the branch leader’s “oversight”. Later that same summer I met this offended wife in the lounge of a small hotel in London, where she told me of the “affront” to Brother Eyring. She wouldn’t listen to an explanation of his unassuming style.

Not without Honor

LeRoy Eyring — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 00:18:35 -0600

Occurred: 1960s
At: Atlantic City, New Jersey, USA

“A prophet is not without honor save in his own country and in his own house,” does not apply to Henry. When he retired as Dean at the University of Utah, all his 15 brothers and sisters, their spouses, and many of their children and their children’s children, making a group of more than 90, gathered in Salt Lake City to honor him. We had not all been together as a single family group in more than 40 years. It was an unselfconscious acknowledgement of his family’s affection.

One early morning several years ago we ran into each other on a back street in Atlantic City, neither suspecting that the other was in town, and had breakfast together. It pleased him to think that a Divine benevolence had caused our paths to cross. We differed in our belief concerning this, but I am grateful for the crossing of our lives and am content to leave this out of the realm of chance.

A Firm Mathematical Proof

John R. Morrey — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 00:18:35 -0600

Occurred: 1940s

I fondly remember a number of humorous experiences with Henry. One of the most vivid is an incident in a statistical mechanics class. He was busy deriving a partition function which had in the denominator N! I questioned the reasoning behind incorporation of N!, whereupon Henry patiently went through the derivation again. I still was not satisfied and responded with, “intuitively, it does not make sense.” Henry, with all the patience he could muster, turned to me and said: “John, N! needs to be there, and I’m going to tell you five more times. That will constitute a proof.”

"Little Fellows"

Ludvik Bass and Walter J. Moore — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 00:18:35 -0600

Occurred: 1940s
At: Princeton, New Jersey, USA

New graduate students in chemistry at Princeton 30 years ago soon came to accept the fact that Henry Eyring could see molecules. Henry spent eight to ten hours a day in his office talking with students and co-workers. After about an hour with him one would emerge into a new world in which the “little fellows,” John and Joe and Sam, as Henry called them by name, were still dancing about in the friendliest way imaginable. Thus Henry showed how the ornery behavior of complex systems could often be tamed by a kindly approach to the molecules. With blackboard, chalk, and a relentless discussion, many mysteries were unraveled.

"I'll Give You an Answer"

Ervin R. Van Artsdalen — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 00:18:35 -0600

Occurred: 1940s
At: Princeton, New Jersey, USA

My first meeting with Henry Eyring occurred at Princeton University while I was a graduate student at Harvard. I had made a trip to Princeton to attend a seminar being given by one of my former teachers and was graciously invited to join some of the faculty and the speaker at dinner and discussion in the Graduate House after the seminar. I recall how impressed I was to be sitting at dinner between Dr. (later Sir) Hugh Taylor and Dr. Henry Eyring. I was fascinated with wit, charm, and scientific acumen of Dr. Eyring.

After dinner we sat about and discussed scientific questions, largely arising from the seminar. In the course of this discussion Henry made the comment, “Give me some paper and pencils and I’ll give you an answer to any question you pose. It may not mean anything much, it may even be wrong, but I’ll give you an answer.” I was greatly intrigued by this statement. To me it indicated Henry Eyring’s interest in all matters of science, his confidence, yet humbleness, in his own capability, and a delightful sense of humor which permitted him to poke fun at himself.

Honoring George Washington

Earl M. Mortensen — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 00:18:35 -0600

Occurred: 1950s

Because Henry traveled on a number of occasions during the school year, it was necessary to make up some missed class work in his statistical mechanics course. Several two-hour sessions were scheduled, and one of them was to be on Washington’s Birthday, which was a university holiday. Perhaps to justify this action, he said that we could better honor George Washington by being at school studying and working than to take the day off. As a result, we honored George Washington that year as we devoted ourselves to higher things.

A Lack of Timidity

Edward Eyring — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 00:18:35 -0600

Occurred: 1960

His generosity with good-humored free advice to his colleagues and even casual acquaintances is well known, perhaps even legendary. It was he who counseled that I do a year of post-doctoral work (1960-1961) in Eigen’s Goettingen laboratory. This suggestion was very timely, and my exposure to Manfred Eigen, the disciplined perfectionist, provided an interesting contrast to Henry Eyring, the buoyantly optimistic, free-wheeling generalist. Qualities I particularly admire in Henry Eyring’s style of doing science are his complete lack of timidity in his choice of problems and his taboo against speaking critically in a personal way of the more modest achievements of others.

A Teacher and Missionary

Arthur V. Tobolskyy — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 00:18:35 -0600

Occurred: 1946

Professor Eyring had the qualities of a great teacher and missionary in that he attempted to reach and meet the soul and mind of every student he encountered. In my encounter with him 25 years ago he was not deterred by differences in religious and political viewpoints but strove to transmit to me his own understanding of all issue, scientific and otherwise. Even though I have not come to agree with him on all matters, I have moved very much toward his position on some, based on the life experience of 25 more years. What I can never forget was his concern for each individual, his attempts to join us to him in good fellowship, moral elevation, and inspirational thinking.

Generosity: A Word that Describes Henry Eyring

J. W. Woodbury — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 00:18:35 -0600

Occurred: 1950s

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.

Gentle Eyes

Tamayama Masaaki — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 00:18:35 -0600

Occurred: 1930s

Henry Eyring’s laboratory, the Institute for the Study of Rate Processes, was a place of freedom. Though not in a separate building, its activities were independent of any university department. He gave his students and colleagues complete freedom to think, to try, and to write. His outstanding contributions to science derived from his insights and his generosity toward his students.

Henry’s physical command as a lecturer is well known. He was also an elder of the Mormon church, and in that capacity he performed his first marriage at my wedding. On that occasion his command failed him, and his trembling voice and shaking hands showed that he was a good deal more nervous than the bride or groom.

It is not so well known that Henry earned his bachelor’s degree in mining engineering. If you worked in his laboratory, you would soon discover that he still has a good sense of engineering. During my 5 ½ years with him I never saw him work with his hands, except to polish his shoes, but I still felt that his were the sharp but gentle eyes of a veteran foreman whenever he stood beside me. I always enjoyed discussing engineering problems and experimental difficulties with him, and he always offered brief by perceptive suggestions.

"Do Your Own Thing"

Lowell Tensmeyer — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 00:18:35 -0600

Occurred: 1950s

One of Eyring’s characteristics that has had a lasting effect on me is his invitation to all to join in the process of research, including his awareness that people of all ages and experience can make contributions to knowledge. He was always aware that his own work is not perfect; it can and should be improved. One illustration of this attitude occurred several times in his classes:

In the midst of lengthy derivation, as Henry carried them out on the blackboard in front of the class, anyone could feel free to correct an error. Sometimes class members would suggest that one more of the assumptions in a theory could be improved. Henry’s response after a short discussion was quick and sincere: “Here is some chalk and there is the sideboard. See what you can do with it!” In this way he avoided bogging the class down into any number of possible by-paths, but left individuals free to “do their own thing” if they chose to do so.

Another: A group had assembled at his car in preparation for a 40-mile trip to Ogden. All were to be speaking at scientific meetings at Weber State College. As he settled into the driver’s seat, Henry spoke somewhat as follows: “Gentlemen, I expect each of you to speak out if you see any dangerous situation developing on the highway. I’m driving the car, but I can’t see everything. Your lives are in this car just as much as mine is, and you should feel free to help me whether you’re in the front seat or the back seat.”

The Science of Cooperation

Higuchi Izumi — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 00:18:35 -0600

Occurred: 1930s

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.

An Letter of Appreciation

Anonymous — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 00:18:35 -0600

Occurred: 1972-03-20

March 20, 1972

Dear Dr. Eyring:

I was in the audience last Saturday afternoon as you spoke to the prisoners, somewhat embarrassed at their lack of consideration but delighted with your humor in the situation.

I was in another audience at the Murray High School Seminary just about 10 years ago, and I never forgot the things you said about science and religion. I never told you of my personal appreciation for your willingness to talk to groups of this kind and offer your very special insights as a helpful guide in their lives.

My father said it was about 25 years ago that you spoke to his Sunday School class, an unforgettable experience in his life. He said he grew up with your wife and knew her in Granger, and she had arranged for you to visit.

But my life has been touched much for the better because of your willingness to talk about your knowledge and experiences in this life.

I watched for an opportunity to tell you this Saturday, but saw you were surrounded most of the time.

With appreciation,

[Name withheld]

Pearls of Wisdom

Donald D. Bode, Jr. — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 00:17:09 -0600

Occurred: 1940s

Sometimes the Dean would let his pearls of wisdom fall softly in the quiet of his book-bedecked office. I particularly remember the occasion when he was writing at the board and fumbled the chalk. Quickly he stooped and snatched the piece in flight. Without a word he continued his paragraph. At the end, almost as a footnote, he added, “In life you may drop the chalk. Grab it and continue as though nothing has happened. You’ll amaze yourself and your audience and be marked as an accomplished man.” I have since forgotten the subject of that particular lecture, but I’ll not forget the twinkle in his eye.

Shifting Gears

Douglas Henderson — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 00:17:09 -0600

Occurred: 1960s

Henry’s thoughtfulness was not confined to professionals. I recall one afternoon when he took nearly an hour out from his busy schedule to instruct a secretary in the mysteries of shifting gears in her new Volkswagen.

An Impromptu Lecture

George Halsey — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 00:17:09 -0600

Occurred: 1946
At: Princeton, New Jersey, USA

One of the janitors at the Frick laboratory turned a conversation [with Eyring] to the odds in the daily double. Eyring was eager to prove, for mainly moral reasons, that it was almost a waste of money to bet. The janitor was very interested and gathered his fellow janitors for an impromptu lecture on the probability of gambling. Unfortunately, the numbers refused to behave, and Eyring was left in a frantic effort to repair the damage done to the janitors, who were convinced that the great professor had come up with better than even-money odds.

In a Better Place

Frank H. Johnson — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 00:17:09 -0600

Occurred: 1960s

Although it is impossible to say which was the more profound — the depth of his religious convictions or the breadth of his command over reaction rate theory — it seems fair to say that it was almost impossible to win an argument with him in either area. At an informal meeting with the medical school faculty, during a discussion of longevity, one of the doctors pointed to statistics which indicated that moderate drinkers live longer than “teetotalers” and remarked, “So you see, Henry, we are going to live longer than you,” to which Henry replied, without a moment’s hesitation, “But I am going to a better place!”

“You are busier than I am…”

Cecil O. Samuelson, Jr. — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 00:35:23 -0600

Occurred: 1959
At: Salt Lake City, Utah, USA

In the fall of 1959, my initial quarter of study at the University of Utah, I was invited to register for a section of introductory college chemistry for those with declared majors in the sciences and engineering. The class was small with some Honors designation and the teacher was Professor Henry Eyring, although much of the teaching and support was provided by teaching assistants who I believe were Chemistry graduate students. While I don’t remember much of any specific chemistry Professor Eyring taught, I do remember his infectious good humor and his insightful comments about the world in general that suddenly made chemistry seem to be the solution to almost every common dilemma or problem. To this young freshman, he seemed to ask many more questions, often of himself, than he gave answers to his students. His infectious good humor and reflexive curiosity inspired us all.

One day, toward the end of my freshman year, I was in the basement of the Park Building paying a fee or registering for a class. While those details are unclear, I have the distinct memory of walking toward the water fountain for a drink and seeing Professor Eyring arrive at the fountain at the same time from another direction. I immediately backed away with the suggestion that he should drink first. He would have none of that and said, “Young man, you go ahead. You are busier than I am — or should be!” I had my drink and scurried away in admiration for the thoughtfulness of this great man.

“Praise the Lord…”

Richard Carmack — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 00:35:14 -0600

Occurred: 1984
At: Los Angeles, California, USA

Although Senior Brother Eyring was from a generation well in advance of my own, I studied Quantum Mechanics from a little green textbook written by the Senior Brother Eyring that had survived usage for almost 50 years, as I recall. A textbook that lasts for a decade is extraordinary, but one that lasts for 50 years is phenomenal. All this is intended to give you the background to say that President Eyring’s father had a reputation that was remarkable.

In 1984, while sitting in a lecture hall at one of the more renowned universities (UCLA), I had been listening to a guest speaker share a discourse on his research. These weekly lectures were often tinted with the strong egos of the presenters and/or the audience. However, the speaker this evening had been highly unusual. Throughout the hour and a half of presentation, he had repeatedly “praised the Lord” for His goodness in allowing this advance or that advance in his research progress. It has been too long for me to remember the emotions I had that night, but I can easily recall that it felt different and refreshing to have someone with this openness and humility. The professor under whom I was doing my research at the time was also the host for the presenter that evening and thanked the speaker. His remarks included the comment, “Tonight we have heard the name of Deity praised with more frequency that I have heard in these halls since Henry Eyring, a Mormon bishop, spoke here many years ago.

“When Senior Brother Eyring praised the Lord for his accomplishments, I do not believe it was an insincere or perfunctory thanks that he was giving. He was wholeheartedly admitting that the Lord was behind His success. That he had been given extraordinary blessings that allowed great things to materialize. And he blessed the hand that made that possible.