Here is the beginning of torsion deformation of rocks at the ETH Zurich. Mervyn’s concepts on torsion were disputed but we decided to try it. The first torsion rig arrived in 1994, and after some lengthy unpacking was installed in a specially made pit to fit the height of the apparatus (#6). Mervyn could not miss this event and his thoughtful expertise was crucial for the installation and subsequent successful experiments. This naturally led us to purchase the second apparatus (#9) which has been extensively used to measure physical properties of rocks.

Our lab is indebted to his enthusiasm and creativity.

Jean-Pierre Burg and ETH team