Norman Leslie Falcon. 29 May 1904-31 May 1996 A. J. Martin; P. B. ...

NORMAN LESLIE FALCON29 May 1904-3 1 May 1996Elected F.R.S. 1960*The Hall, Roudham, East Harling, No$olk NR16 2RL, UKt9 Trinity Churchyard, Guildford, Surrey GUI 3RR, UKNorman Falcon was a man of intellect, integrity and reserve. His skill, at times almostintuitive, in his chosen profession of petroleum geology was greatly admired and hisjudgement greatly respected by both colleagues and contemporaries alike. He had anunderstanding of his subject that reached out beyond the given wisdom of the day, which inturn could lead him to innovation and boldness in his self-confident application of his science,qualities wanting in workers of lesser calibre. His paramount interest was in the practicalapplication of science, yet he always held a strong interest in and gladly supported theresearch of others. His work therefore was characterized by the application and use of hisexpertise and by giving direction to and supervising others, rather than by the pursuit ofresearch into new realms of geology.His whole career was spent in the employ of The British Petroleum Company and itspredecessors, and it is inevitable that his successful geological career was inextricablyinterwoven with the affairs of the company. The major roles that he played reflect the historyof oil exploration and undoubtedly he helped shape the company's history. BP did not anddoes not exist in industrial isolation, but as part of an enormous global industry. Thus it cantruly be said that Norman acted on a world stage and his career helped make, and reflected thefortunes of, that worldwide industry.O 1998 The Royal Society