H. Gregg Lewis Memorial Comments

H. Gregg Lewis, perhaps the father of modern labor economics, died in January of 1992. The comments that follow were written for presentation at a special memorial session, held at the American Economic Association Meetings in Anaheim, California, in January of 1993. I first learned about Gregg Lewis from his incredibly painstaking academic research. Gregg's research was careful, detailed, and, above all, "credible." His research results were not influenced by politics but instead were deeply empirical. The fact that some preconceived "theory" might not be proved did not bother Gregg. I believe-that the widespread emulation of this research style represents Gregg's lasting impact on economists. Younger economists may take Gregg's posture for granted and even expect significant rewards in the academic marketplace when they focus on the care and credibility of their research. Without Gregg I think things would be different. For some of us there are also personal, as opposed to professional, reminders of Gregg's work. I first met Gregg and Julia Lewis in 1974 when they spent the year visiting Princeton. It was then that I learned of the Lewis passion for art and of Gregg's precisely constructed mobiles. (Obtaining one of these creations required some serious effort; I obtained two!) I still find it remarkable that a man whose professional work required such attention to detail would turn to so meticulous an enterprise for relaxation. It is always worthwhile taking a few moments to remember how we got where we are. That is the purpose of the comments that follow.