Add to ORKGMy interactions with Eric Davidson started later in his life; first when he invited me to teach in the Embryology Course at the Marine Biological Laboratory and solidifying after I joined the Caltech faculty in 1996. Then in his 50's, Eric was still a motor cycle-riding, football-playing and overall imposing figure who did not suffer fools and said exactly what was on his mind. Needless to say, I was intimidated when I first met him—both by his insightful and piercing intellect and assertive manner. But there was also a gentle and caring side of Eric. He was always a strong supporter of women in science, before it was “politically correct” and popular. He loved nothing better than an active and lively exchange of scientific ideas and testin...