Historical Truth in Holography
Facts about Selwyn Lissack and Holography
The following statement was made by Selwyn Lissack to dispel the mis-truth or
false reference listed on a web site by a fellow colleague or holographer,
Richard Rallison, found on the web site titled
"The
History of Dichromates"
where Richard Rallison claims that Selwyn Lissack attempted to take credit for a
hologram produced by Richard Rallison when speaking to the Father of Holography,
Dr. Dennis Gabor. Due to our absence at this event, we can not say with absolute
certainty what was said or not said but offer this direct testimonial or
statement from Mr. Lissack concerning this event .
We also feel it is unfortunate that anyone within the holographic community
would feel it necessary to make negative comments or remarks concerning a fellow
associate and colleague under any circumstance or claim knowledge of a comment
made in their absence. Over the many years we have known Mr. Lissack, he has
always been quite respectful as well as respected by associates and colleagues.
Mr. Lissack's non-boastful, mild mannered demeanor and interest in clarifying
the truth accentuates his high moral character and we consider it an honor to
offer his statement for clarification and in respect of Mr. Lissack, who has
made great contributions in the early development of dichromates within the
holographic community.
"Richard Rallison's "History of Dichromate Holography" contributes many
interesting anecdotes and references to people and places regarding a passion we
share -- holography. However, my own passion for this science and its history
requires that it is accurate in any portrayal of events and episodes, including
what was actually said at them.
Therefore, I must correct the inaccuracy of Rallison's remarks regarding myself
and the production of the jar presented to Dr. Dennis Gabor.
Richard Rallison was indeed an original equipment manufacturer and supplier of a
holographic process to produce dichromate holograms. I approached him to make up
the first one and a quarter inch round pendant hologram which contained my
artwork of the inside of a wristwatch. It is this artwork only that I claimed to
have made and not, as the photograph and Rallison suggests, the jar being
presented to Dr. Dennis Gabor.
Rallison's article includes, further, reference to the SPIE San Diego Conference
of 1977 and Rosemary (Posy) Jackson's eliciting "major rib damage from laughter"
as a result of his inaccurate portrayal of what really happened. I don't know
whether Ms. Jackson was aware of the truth of what had actually taken place, or
was simply duped by Richard Rallison.
Of course I do appreciate his forthright acknowledgment that "He (Lissack) put
me into business single-handedly".
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