Joseph Samachson

Dr. Joseph Samachson (1906–1980) was a scientist and author born in Trenton, New Jersey, the son of David and Anna Samachson. His life work was in the field of biochemistry, particularly in the study of bone. However, he also earned a well-deserved reputation as an author of books for young people such as Mel Oliver and Space Rover on Mars, which was translated into many languages including Dutch. He wrote science fiction (written under the pseudonym William Morrison); as well, he wrote scripts for DC Comics and created the Martian Manhunter.

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With his wife Dorothy Samachson, he wrote about theatre ("Let's Meet the Theatre" and "The Dramatic Story of the Theatre"), music ("Masters of Music" and The Fabulous World of Opera), of archeology (Good Digging) and of interesting places (Rome, a Rand McNally Cities of the World book). In addition, Dr. Samachson was a frequent contributor to scientific journals and the author of The Armor Within Us: The Story of Bone.

He was a graduate of Rutgers University and earned his Ph.D. at Yale. He was an Assistant Professor at the College of Medicine, University of Illinois. He also headed a laboratory in metabolic research at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Hines, Illinois, a research unit dealing with diseases that affect the skeleton. Dr. Samachson also taught himself Russian.

Joseph Samachson died in 1980 of complications from Parkinson's Disease. His survivors are his son, Michael Samachson, a writer and fund raiser, and his daughter, photographer Miriam Berkley, who is also a writer.