Magnus Pyke

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Dr. Magnus Pyke (29 December 1908 – 19 October 1992) was a British scientist and media figure, who, although apparently quite eccentric and playing up to the mad scientist stereotype, made a successful effort to explain science to a lay audience. He was known for his enthusiastic way of waving his arms around as he spoke.

Born in London, Pyke rose to prominence as a young food researcher working for the wartime Minister of Food, Frederick Marquis, 1st Earl of Woolton. Even then, he was known to be eccentric. It is said that, in an effort to cope with the problem of blood donation outstripping local storage for blood transfusion, Pyke suggested using the excess human blood to make black pudding.

Pyke was a regular panellist on the Yorkshire Television science programme Don't Ask Me from 1974 to 1979, which was later changed to Don't Just Sit There. The panel was chaired by Derek Griffiths and other members included David Bellamy (a botanist), Dr Miriam Stoppard and Dr Robert Buckman. The programme consisted of the panel attempting to answer viewers' queries about science and the everyday world.

Pyke appears on the song, and the video, "She Blinded Me with Science" by Thomas Dolby, where he shouts "science" and provides other sound bites. After the video was released, he was said to be annoyed by people coming up to him and shouting "Science!" at him. His eccentric brand of humour was often heard after dinner at the Savage Club.