Never sure if he was a novelist who was also a scientist, or a scientist who was also a novelist, McMahon’s first book was titled Principles of American Nuclear Chemistry: A Novel. A professor of both applied mechanics and biology at Harvard University, he also wrote two other critically acclaimed novels as well as more traditional science books.
His wide scientific interest led to the creation of the science of biomechanics, which studies how animals (including humans) walk and move. His work led both to ways to prevent hip injuries in people and improved running surfaces — he helped design Harvard’s “tuned” indoor track. He also showed how the “Jesus Christ” lizard was able to run across the surface of water. McMahon died February 14 from complications of abdominal surgery. He was 55.