Reminiscences of Konrad F. Springer on His 60th Birthday

Abstract

I first met Konrad Springer about 20 years ago; I do not remember the exact year but I do remember the occasion. I think that it was Charles Weissman who told me one day that Dr. Springer wanted to visit me and I felt excited about meeting the owner of the Springer Verlag. At about 11 o’clock in the morning a very tall man walked into my office and then collapsed silently into a chair. I felt helpless, but my assistant Helen McKeon rushed out for some coffee and after a few sips Konrad revived. Apparently he had just arrived in New York from Heidelberg and was under the influence of the long trip and jet lag. I don’t know to what extent this unusual meeeting was responsible for establishing a bond between us, but we have had a warm relationship ever since.