The Cold War in Biology

This challenge to many of the cherished dogmas of genetics and evolution is fascinating reading. Lindegren's comments concerning the suppression of views which challenge the underlying assumptions of scientific research are particularly poignant in view of his difficulty in getting this book published, even though he is an outstanding geneticist. The first chapter, "The Game of Science," and the final four chapters, concerning the cell theory, the origin of life, biological evolution, and the living state, are relevant to the thoughts of any biologist. Many scientists will be irritated by Lindegren's analysis, but never bored, and many will perhaps realize how well taken Lindegren's criticisms frequently are. Anyone who has followed the progress of the Lysenko-Michurin stranglehold upon Russian genetics, which has been recently relaxed, will find a lucid discussion of some of the experiments of this school. Interspersed in this section of the book are further reflections upon the effect of enforced dogma upon scientific progress. Geneticists will appreciate the personal biographies included in "The Architects of Morganism-Mendelism," and should take to heart Lindegren's comments concerning cytoplasmic inheritance and the continuing difficulties in defining the gene. It is inconceivable that any scientist who has been trained recently in this country can read this book without becoming angry at least once or twice. Many times, alternative explanations of the data cited occur to the reader. I am convinced, however, that Lindegren's iconoclasm, well founded in the scientific method, will more than repay the reader of this book. LAURA R. LIVINGSTON