What is Life? The Next Fifty Years: Speculations on the Future of Biology [Paperback]

Michael P. Murphy (Editor), Luke A. J. O'Neill (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 13, 1997 | ISBN-10: 0521599393 | ISBN-13: 978-0521599399

Erwin Schrödinger's book What is Life?, which was originally delivered as a set of lectures at Trinity College, Dublin, is perhaps one of the most important scientific books of the twentieth century. It marked the beginning of molecular biology, and stimulated scientists such as Watson and Crick to explore and discover the structure of DNA. The novelty and appeal of What is Life? is that Schrödinger addressed the central problems of biology--heredity and how organisms use energy to maintain order--from a physicist's perspective. Fifty years later, at Trinity College, a number of outstanding scientists from a range of disciplines gathered to celebrate the anniversary of Schrödinger's lectures. In this book, they present their views on the current main problems in biology. The contributors are eminent scientists (including two Nobel Laureates) and well-known writers of popular science, including Jared Diamond, Christien de Duve, Manfred Eigen, Stephen Jay Gould, Stuart Kauffman, John Maynard Smith, Roger Penrose, and Lewis Wolpert. They tackle questions on our current understanding of the origin of life, evolution, the origin of human inventiveness, developmental biology, and the basis for consciousness. The book ends with a touching biography by Schrödinger's daughter, Ruth Braunizer. This book will set the stage for biological research into the next century and is essential reading for anyone interested in biology and its future.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

In celebration of physicist Erwin Schrodinger's classic book What Is Life? (1945), which consolidated ideas from physics, biology, and chemistry and served as an early inspiration to the development of molecular biology, a diverse group of well-known scientists?physiologists, evolutionary biologists, physicists, neuroscientists, ecologists, and mathematicians?expound further on Schrodinger's question and make predictions about the future of biology. Although all the essays address a piece of Schrodinger's work, there is little coherence in the collection, and the future of biology is predicted weakly, if at all. The biology here is "human biology," with some discussion of future breakthroughs in the study of the brain: mind, behavior, and language. Lewis Wolpert's fascinating essay on the interface of development and genetics addresses the book's theme most specifically. Because many of the essays are difficult to follow and interpret, this book is not for general or even informed readers unless they are well versed in physics, molecular biology, neuroscience, and mathematics. Recommended for large academic collections only.?Constance Rinaldo, Dartmouth Coll. Biomedical Libs., Hanover, N.H.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Review

"...if you want one slim book that contains as many stimulating ideas as a small library, this is it." New Scientist

"An absolute benefit of such a format is that the authors share with us thoughts that would not appear in their more scientific papers. We are treated, therefore, to a spectrum of viewpoints...this is an exciting collection of thoughtful essays, which are guaranteed to be engaging and stimulating." Thomas W. Traut, American Scientist

"...an informative and clarifying review of some of the most challenging questions of current biological science. The editors should be credited for their initiative, as well as for excellent editorial work. It has resulted in a very thought-provoking book that is certainly accessible to a wide audience....worthwhile reading for those who want to broaden their view of life." Börge Ekstig, Quarterly Review of Biology

"...a volume very much in keeping with the spirit of Schrödinger's work, both in its treatment of grand themes and in its application to biology of ideas from physics. It contains some excellent summaries of some exciting areas of biology, pitched at a popular level, and should command a wide readership." Danny Yee, on the World Wide Web

"WHhat is Life?: The Next Fiftey Years is insightful and though-provoking, highly recommended reading for both the professional biology student, and the non-specialist general reader." James A. Cox, The Midwest Book Review

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 204 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press (March 13, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521599393
• ISBN-13: 978-0521599399
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.9 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,032,428 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars An Great Book, December 2, 2001

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M. Brown (Helena, MT United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: What is Life? The Next Fifty Years: Speculations on the Future of Biology (Paperback)

This is an important and wonderful book. I have re-read many of the essays several times. The editors did a terrific job. You don't have to have read What Is Life to enjoy and learn from this book (skip the S.J. Gould essay, it's the only worthless one in the book). When my house catches on fire, this is one of the half-dozen books I will grab.

1 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A worthy tribute and tome in its own right, March 12, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: What is Life? The Next Fifty Years: Speculations on the Future of Biology (Hardcover)

A facinating journey of physicists, molecular biologists, geneticists, etc. trying to capture the power of speculation as Erwin Schroedinger did 50 years earlier. Fans of Steven J. Gould will find the (sometimes contrary) opinions of other learned men of science equally stimulating as his own chapter.