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Dr. Joseph Cary Touchstone, of Rosemont, PA died on July 26, 2009 Dr. Touchstone was born November 27,1921 in Soochow,China where his father was an English Professor at Soochow University. As a result of a malaria epidemic in China, Dr. Touchstone received large doses of quinine which unfortunately resulted in his loss of hearing at a very young age. The family returned to the United States and Dr. Touchstone was kept in the educational mainstream due to the interest and persistence of an Elementary school teacher. He was taught to read lips rather than sign. After High School, Dr. Touchstone received a B.S. in Chemistry from Stephen Austin University in Texas, followed by an M.S. in Organic Chemistry from Purdue University. He received his Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Organic Chemistry from St. Louis University where he was awarded the Theelin Fund Fellowship. In 1952 he was appointed as a research associate in the Department of Medicine at The University of Pennsylvania. In 1956 he became a Research Professor in the department of Obstetrics and Gynocology and in the department of Surgical Research. He was eventually the Director of the Steroid Laboratory. He also founded the Chromatography Forum of the Delaware Valley in 1967. Dr. Touchstone was a pioneer in biochemical chromotography and utilized paper,liquid,gas and planar chromotography in research focused on the determination of estrogens in problem pregnancies. Much of his research in compound separation focused on obsteric and gynocological applications including fetal lung viabilty. He researched extensively in the application of high pressure liquid chromotography in clinical chemistry. He published over 300 papers and 15 books on these subjects and also worked in training many University post doctoral students and fellows in his Laboratory at University of Pennsylvania. Being deaf from a young age and learning only to read lips, Dr. Touchstone advocated lip reading for deaf individuals and lectured on this subject. He enjoyed glass blowing as a hobby, a skill he learned while earning money in Graduate School by fabricating custom test tube apparatus for professors at Purdue to use in their labs. He also enjoyed camping trips with his family and watching the Phillies. He was an avid and astute antique collector and had extensive collections of decorative glass canes and antique scientific scales and balances. He lived in Rosemont, Pennsylvania for 45 years and was active in Habitat for Humanity and the Episcopal Church. He is survived by his wife Phyllis and three sons, Michael, David and Andrew, as well as 6 Grandchildren. A Memorial Service will be held at The Church of St. Asaph. 27 Conshohocken State Rd., Bala Cynwyd,PA on Friday July 31,2009 at 10:00 a.m., where the family will receive guests after 9:30am in the Church Parlor. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dr. Touchstone's name to: Alex's Lemonade Stand, 333 Lancaster ave. #414, Wynnewood,PA 19096.

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Dr. Joseph Cary Touchstone

November 27, 1921 - July 26, 2009