Dr. Petr Beckmann

More than that, Isaac Newton would undoubtedly be grateful to Petr Beckmann for his work against the enemies of the human mind that today threaten all that has been built in the centuries since Isaac Newton led a revolution in the effectiveness of human thought and progress.

Petr Beckmann was a man of unusual character and integrity. Those who knew him personally were fortunate indeed. Petr Beckmann was also an effective soldier in the successful battle to defeat Nazism and Communism, two of the more pernicious tyrannies of his time.

Dr. Beckmann is remembered most widely, however, as one of the very few articulate and capable scientists who were willing to make the many personal and professional sacrifices necessary to effectively defend our civilization from the anti-science, antirational, anti-freedom, anti-human enemies who seek to destroy it.

We have very few such people and still fewer with Petr Beckmann's ability. We cannot afford to lose even one. His death could allow significant progress by those who are enemies of science, technology, and human freedom. This could be the result, but, as Petr Beckmann would say, "Please don't let it happen."

The memorials below begin with a text written and delivered at the August 1993 DDP meeting by Dr. Edward Teller. As Dixy Lee Ray and Lou Guzzo said in the dedication of their book, Environmental Overkill:

"One of the most profound obligations of scientists is to provide factual information about basic science, technology, the environment, and human health in a manner that can be understood by policy makers and the public at large. We feel this obligation very deeply, as do many of our fellow scientists. But too few have the unique talent required for this very special kind of communication. Paramount among those who do are two great men—both physical scientists.

"One is Petr Beckmann and the other is Edward Teller.

"Although these two accomplished scientists have had strikingly different careers, each in his own specially, they share many attributes. Both are foreign-born; they chose America. Like so many adopted citizens, they display an unabashed patriotism that reminds us native-borns that, whatever her faults, America is a unique and wonderful country, one that continues to be receptive to good science.

"Through their research and writing, Dr. Beckmann and Dr. Teller have demonstrated their passionate devotion to truth in science and their unshakable belief in its remarkable power to improve the lot of human beings. Above all, they have used their considerable skills to make complex science understandable to the common man.

"For all these reasons—and with profound gratitude—we dedicate this work to Petr Beckmann and Edward Teller."