    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2008, Book I)]
    [April 14, 2008]
    [Pages 501-502]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Death of John A. Wheeler
    April 14, 2008

        Laura and I are saddened by the death of John
    Archibald Wheeler, one of America's greatest physicists.
        During his distinguished career, Dr. Wheeler collaborated with
    scientists such as Albert Einstein and Niels Bohr on projects that
    changed the course of history. His early work with Bohr on how nuclei
    split apart, his vision of the possibilities of Einstein's curved space,
    and his work on quantum theory demonstrated his innovation and
    brilliance. And he will always be remembered for giving the phenomenon
    of black holes its name.
        Dr. Wheeler was also a great teacher who understood that educating
    young minds would be one of his most significant contributions. As a
    professor at Princeton University and the University of Texas--Austin,
    Dr. Wheeler inspired generations of students, such as the late Nobel
    Prize winning physicist Richard Feynman, to transform their curiosity
    into scientific discoveries.
        Today our thoughts and prayers are with the Wheeler family.

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