Viktor Hamburger, a Tribute

‘‘If I could study with anyone — anyone at all — to learn about development, to really understand embryology, who would you recommend?’’ This was my inquiry as a doctoral student to a friend and developmental neurobiologist. My research was an anatomical study of the auditory system, and my new passion was to study how that complex organization arose. My friend had told me that I should study with someone renowned in the field and hence my inquiry. Without a moment’s hesitation, he responded, ‘‘Viktor Hamburger. He’s the best there is.’’ This was my introduction to what would come to be one of the most important steps in my professional life. The acclaim that surrounded Viktor, 75 years old at the time and a legend in the field of embryology, was somewhat daunting to a 25 year old graduate student. Nevertheless, I set out at the next meeting of the Society for Neuroscience to seek my fortune. As I rounded the end of the row of poster presentations in the cavernous exhibit hall, I saw my target, a poster presentation of Drs. Margaret Hollyday and Viktor Hamburger (Fig. 1). I planned to meet and talk with the esteemed Dr. Hollyday and find out about the feasibility of fellowships in the Hamburger laboratory. Much to my chagrin, Dr. Hollyday was nowhere in site. Only a tall, stately man with a grand mane of white hair stood by the poster. There was a lull in the crowd and I approached, feeling somewhat hesitant. Immediately, Viktor graciously acknowledged me and asked if I had any questions about the research that was presented. I carefully studied the data, impressed by the clarity and logic of the experiment in a field so different from that with which I was most familiar. I raised several issues, tentatively at first. But after a few sentences, I found myself in an engaging, active exchange regarding the issues of cell death and survival during embryological development. I felt at ease and excited by the encounter. This legend in his field was discussing