Henry Eyring (1901–81) was a Mexico-born American theoretical chemist who studied chemical reaction rates and intermediates. He also spoke and wrote widely about the compatibility of science and religion.
Born in Chihuahua, Mexico, Eyring studied chemistry at the University of California-Berkeley 1927–29. He was an instructor at the University of Wisconsin and a research fellow at the Kaiser Wilhelm Institute for Physical Chemistry in Berlin 1929–30. Eyring taught chemistry at Princeton 1931–46, and at the University of Utah 1946–73.
Eyring worked with Hungarian-British chemist Michael Polanyi on chemical kinetics. They collectively established the quantum-mechanical technique used to calculate the rate of chemical reactions from the forces between the atomic nuclei and electrons of reactants and products. Eyring made notable contributions to transition state theories and worked on isotope effects, bioluminescence, and liquid structures.
A member of the Mormon Church, Eyring held many leadership positions in the church. He wrote over 600 scientific papers and ten books on science. His notable works include Science and Your Faith in God (1958,) The Faith of a Scientist (1967,) Physical Chemistry: An Advanced Treatise (1970,) and Reflections of a Scientist (1983.)
Mormon Scientist: The Life and Faith of Henry Eyring (2008) by Eyring’s grandson Henry J. Eyring explores Eyring’s contributions to science and religion.
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Henry Eyring
Let us consider the nature of true greatness in men. The people who can catch hold of men’s minds and feelings and inspire them to do things bigger than themselves are the people who are remembered in history… . those who stir feelings and imagination and make men struggle toward perfection.
—Henry Eyring
Topics: Greatness
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