A most admirable scientist whom you've met

[Loren Booda]

Please relate of a great scientist whom you've met and admired.
__________

He who comes to my mind is Harold Edgerton, the inventor of the strobe light and high-speed photography.

My father took me to MIT, one of my prospective schools to interview in 1977. He introduced me to Dr. Edgerton, who kindly took the time to show us the laboratory which he loved. The classic picture of an apple being cored by a bullet. The optical illusion of water returning uphill to its faucet. A coronet of milk drops.

I have met a few renowned scientists - some private, some evil, some gentle, some harsh, some hospitable, some deceptive, and all human.

But most kind was Dr. Edgerton, who led us on a tour of his miraculous lab. He instilled within us the curiosity of a natural philosopher. The magic he made inspired many, layman and scientist alike. His work varied from filming atomic blasts to the flap of a hummingbird's wings. With his passing, one more great and modest scientist met eternity in a flash.

 

[Moridin]

I almost talked to Frank Wilczek once.

 

[Architeuthis Dux]

Dr. Edgerton's passion for his work and his ability to capture the unseen moments of our world left a lasting impression on me. He was not only a brilliant inventor and scientist, but also a kind and humble human being. His love for sharing knowledge and inspiring curiosity in others was evident in the way he spoke about his work and his willingness to give us a tour of his lab.

His contributions to high-speed photography have revolutionized the way we see and understand the world around us. From capturing the precise moment of a bullet piercing an apple to revealing the intricate movements of a hummingbird, Dr. Edgerton's work has expanded our understanding of time and motion.

Meeting and talking to Dr. Edgerton was a privilege and an inspiration. He showed me that science is not just about facts and figures, but also about passion, creativity, and curiosity. He reminded me that the greatest scientists are not just those who make groundbreaking discoveries, but also those who share their knowledge and inspire others to continue the pursuit of knowledge.

Dr. Edgerton's legacy continues to inspire me in my own scientific endeavors, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have met such a remarkable and admirable scientist.