Presentation of the Paleontological Society medal to Stephen Jay Gould

Journal of Paleontology, Jul 2003 by Eldredge, Niles

More than anyone else in my lifetime as a paleontologist, Steve taught us to take ourselves and our profession seriously. And he got in everyone's face outside the profession who continued to insist that paleontologists should shut up and just get on with the business of describing fossils. Dinosaurs and hominid fossils are important icons, and Steve used them-especially Tyrannosaurus-very effectively. And yes, certainly, Steve left behind a prodigious legacy of intellectual accomplishment and scientific work. He helped transform the very way the entire profession of paleontology does its work.

But in the end it was his fearless, persistent and brilliant exposition of the sheer relevance of paleontology to grappling with the deepest scientific issues for which we should be eternally grateful to Steve.

Madame President, I am both sad and extremely proud to present the life and work of Stephen Jay Gould to you for presentation of the 2002 Paleontological Society Medal.

NILES ELDREDGE

American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West at 79th Street, New York, New York 10024