On Gerard P. Smith's scientific character and thought

A fundamental tenet of the intellectual history of science is that the examination of the intellectual qualities of individual eminent scientists is a fruitful exercise for scholars who come after. I therefore review some salient aspects of the scientific character and thought of Gerard P. Smith (GPS), as they have been expressed in his writings. The first section considers some biographical details in respect to the sort of qualities that may prepare a mind for scientific achievement. The second section considers some logical and rhetorical qualities evident in the scientific writing of GPS, especially in the period of his career before the crucial tests of the CCK satiation hypothesis. The third section then considers the character of his thought as revealed in the formal statement, the operationalization, and the critical testing of the CCK satiation hypothesis. The qualities of mind discussed certainly contributed decisively to the scientific achievements of GPS, and their emulation may well contribute to the success of others.