The obituary notice of Robert EISENTHAL

Dr Robert Eisenthal interviewed me in 1974 for a place on the biochemistry course at Bath. I had dropped physics at 14 so not even an 'O' level(!) but I had seen the Van Holde Physical Biochemistry text book at Luton library which scared the life out of me so I did a correpondence course in physics. This was all new to me as I was at a Luton comprehensive with a brand new 6th form so career advice was limited! At the Bath interview I recognised the American accent and asked him about his time in the UK. I also told him I collected American Marvel comics.......hence my interest in science! I think he laughed and gave me an offer based on my A levels. I asked if I needed to pass the physics 'O' level but he said it was not necessary. I suddenly had a lot of confidence but I got the 'O' level just the same. Imagine my shock when Van Holde turned up at Bath as the scond year text book for Physical Biochemistry but I did OK. It was a tough course but he had given me the confidence to go for it armed with my 'O' level and I am eternally grateful. He was a great educator as they all were and still are at Bath and I will never forget that interview! The Direct Linear Plot is still cool!

I arrived at Bath in 1977 having first been attracted to the biochemistry department by the colourful pamphlet I found in my school library. It was only about 20 years later that I discovered that this had been designed by Robert; clearly a man of many talents. I always enjoyed Robert's lectures, his enthusiasm and energy were tremendous and inspiring. It was always a pleasure to bump into Robert around the department, he was always jovial, helpful and would always make time for you no matter who you were. It is a pleasure to have known him.

Robert was my internal examiner at Bath while performing my PhD between 1993-1997. He was always helpful and ultra critical of my poor grammar. I was always ultra critical of his terrible screeching "singing" that howled down the corridors. Just before my viva, which was possibly the most nervous I'd been in my life, Robert calmed me and said, "Lee, as long as you've written it, you'll be fine". I'd written it, so I was! My last memory was a post-viva beer where Robert sat in his shorts and smoked a cigar. The world is a lesser place without him.

Robert was my tutor (1968 -1972). He was an inspiration and a guiding light to all those who worked with him. He is sadly missed.

Bill McShea