A keen musician, Edgeworth-Johnstone developed the Johnstone flute, a simple version of the instrument made from the aluminium brass tubing used in oil refineries.
He later became Lady Trent Professor of Chemical Engineering at the University of Nottingham and was involved in reforming the courses there to be more applicable to industry.
[1][2] Edgeworth-Johnstone was educated at Wellington College and the Royal Military Academy, Woolwich before he secured a job with the Magadi Soda Company.
[1] In 1933, whilst working on oil projects in Trinidad, Edgeworth-Johnstone – a keen musician who could play the guitar, mandolin and clavichord – developed a keyless flute.
The innovative mouthpiece was made from a piece of wood (his preference was for West Indian Purpleheart) several inches long that protruded into the tube.
He took the opportunity to reform the way the subject was taught at the university, seeking feedback from industry and putting greater emphasis on economics, management and administration skills.