Book description
In a new preface to this special edition of his critically acclaimed memoir, Francois Jacob recalls the events that brought him to Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory in the early 1960's and taught him much about phage biology and the informal ways of American science. Throughout his book, Jacob demonstrates a…
Why read it?
1 author picked The Statue Within as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?
Although lacking the name recognition of an Einstein, Watson, or Salk, French microbiologist Francois Jacob was one of the most important scientists of the 20th century.
Together with Jacques Monod, his close collaborator, Jacob figured out how genes are regulated, a discovery that underlies all molecular biology. Jacob came to science late in life, after his dreams of becoming a physician were crushed by injuries suffered during World War II.
In this autobiographical blend of scientific and personal discovery, he takes us through his journey as a damaged soldier, fraught human, and brilliant researcher.
From Ben's list on The best science books written by scientists.
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