Geoffrey Pyke

Geoffrey Nathaniel Pyke (1894–1948) was a British inventor whose generally unorthodox ideas were often very difficult to implement. In lifestyle and appearance, he fit the common stereotype of a "mad scientist."

Related Topics:
1894 - 1948 - British - Stereotype - Mad scientist

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His most famous proposal was to build giant aircraft carriers from pykrete, a substance produced by freezing a mixture of water and wood pulp during World War II. This endeavour, known as Project Habbakuk was investigated by Combined Operations, and had the personal backing of Lord Louis Mountbatten and Sir Winston Churchill, but never reached completion.

Related Topics:
Aircraft carrier - Pykrete - Water - Wood pulp - World War II - Project Habbakuk - Combined Operations - Louis Mountbatten - Winston Churchill

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On a winter evening in 1948, Pyke shaved his beard and consumed a bottleful of sleeping pills; his landlady found his corpse the following morning.

Related Topics:
Winter - Evening - Beard - Sleeping pill - Landlady

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