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Double Helix: A Personal Account of the Discovery of the Structure of DNA
Double Helix A Personal Account of the Discovery of the Structure of DNA Author:James D. Watson The classic personal account of one of the great scientific discoveries of the century — By identifying the structure of DNA, the molecule of life, Francis Crick and James Watson revolutionized biochemistry and won themselves a Nobel Prize. At the time, Watson was only twenty-four, a brilliant young zoologist hungry to make his mark. His u... more »ncompromisingly honest account of the heady days of their thrilling sprint against other world-class researchers to solve one of science's greatest unsolved mysteries gives a dazzlingly clear picture of a world of brilliant scientists with great gifts, very human ambitions, and bitter rivalries. With humility unspoiled by false modesty, Watson relates his and Crick's desperate efforts to beat Linus Pauling to the Holy Grail of the life sciences, the identification of the basic building block of life. He is impressed by the achievements of the young man he was, but clear-eyed about his limitations. Never has such a brilliant scientist also been so gifted, and so truthful, in capturing in words the flavor of his work.« less
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This book was recommended to me by my cell biology teacher. It took me a few years to get to reading it, but it was well worth the time. This is a quick read and gives the very interesting personal side to the discovery of the double helix in DNA.
The book itself gives a glimpse into an earlier time. It is a memoir from the mid-twentieth century. It is amazing to now consider the technology used for scientific research. The "human" side is quite interesting, as well. You get the insider look at competition between countries and universities and individuals when it comes to scientific research and discovery. You see an early woman in science and the issues that women had to contend with when they pursued lives outside the home and kitchen. (This is just glimpsed as the author is a male and only in the end piece does he provide further information on the female scientist so often spoken about poorly in the main part of the book.)