[X] My Assistant

[nprev]

Although all I ever saw of his show was reruns, let us reflect on the passing of Don Herbert, "Mr. Wizard" to US TV viewers, who showed so many of us the wonders of basic experimental science in our youths. He was 89: http://www.cnn.com/2007/SHOWBIZ/TV/06/12/o...d.ap/index.html

Mr. Herbert undoubtedly had a significant influence on many of today's senior scientists, underscoring the role that popular science educators can play via mass media; he was a true pioneer. This is evident from the fact that his stage moniker has become an instantly recognizable nickname for people who are skillful and competent.

His show ran from 1951 through 1964, and his impact on our civilization reverberates even now in 2007. Rest well, sir, and we thank you.

[dvandorn]

Let me just add my voice to the chorus, here. I watched the original Mr. Wizard series back in the early '60s. It was fascinating to me -- the guy had a real knack for bringing arcane scientific information into *my* world. Whether it was demonstrating how regular materials react when dipped in liquid nitrogen, or showing what happens to a bag of marshmallows when you put it in a vacuum, the demonstration were always well conceived and very well explained.

Don Herbert was one of the prime factors in attaching scientific explorations to my sense of wonder. He will be missed.

-the other Doug