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Published online 17 April 2009 | 458, 983-984 (2009) | doi:10.1038/458983a

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John Maddox (1925–2009)

John Maddox, who died on 12 April, was editor of Nature during 1966–73 and 1980–95. He transformed the journal from a collegially amateurish publication into one that was challenging and professional in its assessment of science and in its journalistic reportage.

Walter Gratzer

John Royden Maddox exerted an influence on science and the politics of science that was unequalled by any journalist or editor in recent times. He was unique among science journalists in the depth of his understanding and his authority, for he began his career as an academic scientist and throughout his life maintained a passionate enthusiasm for science.

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  • Nature from its very inception on November 4, 1869, has been rather fortunate to have had several first-rate editors. In my opinion Sir John Royden Maddox was probably one of the best. John (an unusual person) was not only a great editor but a colourful one too. For example, in order to investigate the controversial results (see Nature 333, 816?818; 1988) of the French immunologist Jacques Benveniste, John recruited not only Walter Stewart, of the U.S. National Institutes of Health, but also the famous magician James Randi! Moreover, during my personal correspondence with John, I found him also to be extremely open in entertaining the views of other people. Dr. Upinder Fotadar

    • 22 Apr, 2009
    • Posted by: Upinder Fotadar