Watson and DNA

January 6, 2003
James Watson's The Double Helix,
an account of his discovery with Francis Crick of the structure of DNA, is one of the bestselling scientific memoirs of all time. Science journalist McElheny, author of a biography of photography pioneer Edwin Land (Insisting on the Impossible), fills in the details of Watson's early career, before his Nobel Prize– winning discovery, and tracks his many achievements over the following half-century. Watson's work as an administrator, most notably of the Cold Spring Harbor labs on Long Island, and as a mentor to young scientists, has been as important as his own scientific work. Not one to rest on his laurels, Watson moved on from studying the structure of DNA to investigate recombinant DNA and the genetic causes of cancer. Most recently, he led the Human Genome Project, until political pressures forced his resignation. McElheny manages to convey Watson's complex personality: confident to the point of arrogance and infamous for alienating coworkers, Watson knew the impact of the "mad scientist" look on politicians and wealthy donors: more than one observer described him mussing up his hair and untying his tennis shoes before going in to give a presentation. However, readers interested in Watson's private life (he didn't marry until he was nearly 40) or psychobiography will have to look elsewhere. McElheny worked under Watson for a time and comes perilously close to hagiography. Those who work in the sciences or who knew Watson will find this biography informative, but the general science buff will probably find it less satisfying than going back and rereading The Double Helix.
Photos.