Science Term: SelfAdjoint

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SelfAdjoint

Definition/Summary

This space is intended to serve as a memorial to the late great selfAdjoint. Please add on as necessary.

SelfAdjoint was a PF Mentor from 09.27.03 - 12.20.06

SelfAdjoint passed away on the 10th of December, 2006, apparently while on vacation in Florida with his family.

Equations

Scientists

Recent forum threads on SelfAdjoint

Breakdown

Physics
> Other Topics
>> Miscellaneous

See Also

His PF Profile
Memories Thread

Images

Extended explanation

We've recently discovered a thread started by SelfAdjoint was linked in an MSNBC article. "leak off a brane" is linked to PF.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/13070896/GT1/8211/

Commentary

GCT @ 03:27 PM Jun20-08

I wasn't aware of this event - from the brief encounter I had with him on this forum he seemed to be a very likable and respectable guy.

starkind @ 02:22 PM Jun20-08

I met sA several years ago. He was tall, thin, gray-bald, and gave me a name by which to know him. Sadly, although I have searched the obits, I have not found anyone by that name to have died in the given time frame.

He told me his work was in designing and building databases. He invited me to his apartment, which was spaceous and minimally furnished. There was a kitchen table and some book cases. We discussed PF, and he fixed us a modest dinner featuring fresh green beans.

I stayed the night in a room in his basement. There was a box of old science fiction books, half falling off a shelf and onto the floor. I had read most of them. One of them was "The Gray Lensman," part of a series I encountered as a teenager. It happens I carry a glass lens most places, because of my ageing vision. I carry it in a cloth bag to prevent scratches. Even after all these years, I still think of the Lensman series when I take it out to use it.

In the morning we went for a long walk in one of his favorite places, a trail stretching along a lake shore. He commented on how much he enjoyed this, and said he usually walks alone, and appreciated having company.

In the early afternoon I got ready to leave. I told him I was thinking of spending part of the winter in California, and had thought about asking to meet Marcus.

"Marcus!" he said enthusiastically. "Now that would be someone to meet!"

When I was ready to leave, sA gave me two books from his physics library to help my studies. I gave him my pocket lens, and brushed aside his profferred hand in favor of a hug. He seemed embarrassed but that's the way we do it in my generation.

I thought I would get a chance to meet sA again. We even discussed some plans but they fell through. The winter passed and I was in CA but didn't get up to NCAL to see Marcus.

I was worried when sA dissappeared from the forums, but there were no obits so I thought he may only be on vacation, or maybe ill. He did not return my phone calls, emails, a letter. Then there was the forum announcement.

Now when I take out my new pocket lens, I still remember the gray lensman, but first I remember sA. Funny how a simple object can have the power to take you back to places where you have already been.

Greg Bernhardt @ 11:16 AM Jun18-08

You are missed SA! RIP :(