Science, Life & Fate: the woman behind DNA story

Upon finishing two little books, “the double helix” and “get a grip on genetics”, many thoughts came up among which was the story of Rosalind Franklin – her science, life and fate. It is just too hard to express anything on this topic – maybe the thoughts are just not in a clear form – yet I am compelled to put two paragraphs here, at least for now. 

In “Get a grip on genetics”: Cambridge Celebrities

"Although Franklin had gotten close to the truth, from now on she would take a back seat in the DNA story. Her name was soon to be eclipsed by the celebrity of two scientists who had joined another X-ray diffraction group at the Cavendish Laboratory in Cambridge. James Watson and Francis Crick were to put the “finishing touches” to the DNA jigsaw, and take all the glory. Such is often the way in science, and few people have heard of Rosalind Franklin.  She did not live to witness the unfolding DNA story. She died from cancer at the age of 37, and was excluded from the Nobel Prize shared by Wilkins, Crick, and Watson in 1962."

In “The double helix”: Epilogue by Watson

"Crick and I both came to appreciate greatly her personal honesty and generosity, realizing years too late the struggles that the intelligent woman faces to be accepted by a scientific world which often regards women as mere diversions from serious thinking. Rosalind’s exemplary courage and integrity were apparent to all when, knowing she was mortally ill, she did not complain but continued working on a high level until a few weeks before her death. "

Shall I say that of Rosalind Franklin is another form of glory, no less than the DNA Nobel Prize?

Shall I say that is one of the few reasons that this little book by Watson is to be read?

Shall I say such is often the way in science, in life, and in fate?

11/4/2005

Houston