The Wiz

Don Herbert, the docile scientist and star of Mr. Wizard’s World, died yesterday at the age of 89. Herbert brought a simple sensibility to teaching science to children often by using household items. His program, which had a run in the 50’s and later in the 80’s, encouraged children to duplicate experiments at home. "He really taught kids how to use the thinking skills of a scientist," said former colleague Steve Jacobs.

"'You could use a mayonnaise jar for that,'" Jacobs recalled, being chided by Herbert for his predisposition to flasks and beakers. No word on why Jacobs had said attachment.

Herbert was also, as his name implied, a wizard. He made no secret of his wizard heritage (on his mother’s side), and would often conjure in-between filming of segments. Several associates believe that Herbert is still locked in battle with the Symriton in the astral plane, which may have originally exacerbated his bone cancer.