In 1962, Maurice Wilkins, Francis Crick, and James Watson received the Nobel Prize, but it was Rosalind Franklin's data and photographs of DNA that led to their discovery. Franklin's Photo 51 revealed the structure of DNA's double helix, and it had been shared — without her permission — with her scientific rivals. And while her photographs are considered "among the most beautiful X-ray photographs of any substance ever taken," Franklin received none of the credit for one of the most important discoveries of the 20th century.
In this powerful biography, Brenda Maddox tells the story of a remarkably single-minded, forthright, and tempestuous young woman who, at the age of fifteen, decided she was going to be a scientist... at a time when science was still considered the domain of men. The Nobel Prize committee's omission of Franklin kicked off a debate about how credit is given (and taken) from women in science that continues to this day. This intriguing portrait of a tempestuous and scientifically talented woman is a unique look at the history of DNA you don't know.
"Her photographs of DNA were called 'among the most beautiful X-ray photographs of any substance ever taken,' but physical chemist Rosalind Franklin never received due credit for the crucial role these played in the discovery of DNA's structure. In this sympathetic biography, Maddox argues that sexism, egotism and anti-Semitism conspired to marginalize a brilliant and uncompromising young scientist." — Publishers Weekly
Recommended Age | Adults |
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Author | Brenda Maddox |
ISBN | 0060985089 |
Publication Date | Sep 30, 2003 |
Publisher | Harper Perennial |
Language | English |