Calvin Bridges

Calvin Bridges (1889-1938) is known for his contributions to the field of genetics.

His work with sex linked traits in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster suggested that chromosomes contained genes. Later Nettie Maria Stephens was able to prove this hypothesis by examining the chromosomes of the fruit flies. Bridges wrote a couple of papers presenting the proof. He thanked her as "Miss Stevens" without stating what her contribution was nor referring to her PhD.

Bridges' best-known contribution among Drosophila researchers is his observation and documentation of the polytene chromosomes found in larval salivary gland cells. The banding patterns of these chromosomes are still used as genetic landmarks by contemporary researchers.

He died on December 27 1938. Reports differ as to whether this was due to syphilis, or to heart failure as a complication of a heart valve infection.