Dr. James Watson RIP

[J-BAR #18287]

Jim Watson who, with Francis Crick, published the first description of DNA as a double helix in 1953, and subsequently shared a Nobel Prize in 1962 for discovering the structure of the gene, has passed at age 97.  
 

I remember the first time I saw the double helix... on the cover of Life Magazine, delivered every Friday in the mailbox... in 1953.  I was 9 years old.

 

For those who may be interested in the history of one of the foundational concepts in biology,  two books are essential:

 

"The Double Helix" by James Watson; his firsthand recollections of the discovery, which, incidentally, pissed off some folks.

 

"The Eighth Day of Creation" by Horace Freeland Judson.  Watson and Crick were not the only people trying to find out how genes are built, and how they transmit inheritable characteristics from one generation to another.  It puts Watson and Crick's discovery in perspective, and is an entertaining narrative about racing for a Nobel Prize.

 

Watson was not shy about expressing politically incorrect opinions.  He was a genius who contributed to our understanding of biology profoundly.  Much of today's medical research is based on his findings.

 

 

 

 

Edited November 8, 2025 by J-BAR #18287

[Subdeacon Joe]

Amazing man.  

[Mild Bill #2326]

Heroes like this are not well known, because they are not in the entertainment field. Students should learn of them in school.

[Cypress Sun]

He opened up a whole other door that I'm not sure that humanity was ready for. 

 

RIP Dr. Watson

[Pat Riot]

Rest in peace, Dr Watson. Thank you.