A modern-day Merlin, Luther produces an annual chemical magic show each fall at Coast Day, the College of Marine Studies' annual celebration of marine life with plenty of food, fun and family activities. The magic show has become so popular that, this year, it was moved from the Virden Center on the Hugh R. Sharp Campus in Lewes to Cape Henlopen High School there to accommodate the crowd. Luther's career as a chemical wizard began almost 30 years ago when he was an undergraduate at LaSalle University. He went on to receive his doctorate in physical and inorganic chemistry from the University of Pittsburgh and to perform countless chemical magic shows, which have rarely been the same twice. Luther concedes that education is his ulterior motive as a chemical magician.
Chemicals can undergo changes that are both educational and entertaining.
People, kids from ages 1 to 92, really enjoy trying to explain what's happening. Many of Luther's tricks demonstrate basic physical and chemical properties of matter. Others allow audiences to witness unusual chemical reactions. And, he points out, not only are the reactions interesting in themselves, they can sometimes be used to illuminate marine phenomena. Luther's research at UD's College of Marine Studies involves marine chemistry, specifically how metals and sulfur compounds cycle in the environment and how minerals are formed and dissolved.