John Salthouse, 1941-2008

[major_clanger]

I've just found out that Dr John Salthouse, famous for his 'Son et Lumiere' practical chemistry lectures at conventions, apparently died sometime last year. Although I've not found any formal notice or obituary, I have found this video from the University of Nottingham of a former colleague recreating some of his experiments:

Alt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LgSies8s5O8

A rather poor-quality (and edited-down) sample of Dr Salthouse in action:

Alt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fVDnbUj7qzw

I'm sure many others will have fond memories of him not quite blowing up the Glasgow Central Hotel at 2KON in 2000.

Comments

[rosenkavalier.livejournal.com]

I'd not realised he'd died either - a great shame...

[calatrice.livejournal.com]

I'm really sorry to hear that. I studied chemistry at Manchester University and he was one of my favorite lecturers.

[bellinghman.livejournal.com]

Salthouse at 2KON was for us the best part of that convention.

Damn, what a shame.

[ninox.livejournal.com]

I too saw him at Glasgow Central Hotel but at Hypotheticon I think! I remember being very nervous under the chandeliers.

[robthefish.livejournal.com]

I saw him twice at conventions (I remember this because on the second occasion, forewarned, we sat right at the back!) Was it at 2KON where one of the explosions dislodged a light bulb from high in the ceiling, which was mounted and presented to him as an award at the closing ceremony? He was a fine communicator of science.

[fjm.livejournal.com]

That's really sad. Send a short obit to ansible?

[major-clanger.livejournal.com]

I'd like to, but I'm going to have to see if I can find a bit more out about Dr Salthouse. I even did a news archive search on LexisNexis, but came up with nothing. I'll email the team who did the first video and see if they can offer any more information.

[major-clanger.livejournal.com]

Further to this I've been put in touch with Dr Salthouse's brother, who has sent me some more information about him.