Whittling away my time with science books
Feb 21 '03 (Updated Feb 23 '03)
The Bottom Line .
While I love benchwork, much of it consists of hurry up and wait time, so I find myself reading more about science then actually doing science. I thought I’d put all those books to good use (define ‘good’?) and list some of the most interesting here.
I first wrote that I’d list my top ten, but found that was too hard. Some of these would make it into my top-list, but if the truth was told, most of my top ten would consist of boring protocols just because those are the most useful to me. My guess is that there aren’t too many people who care about how to engineer a fly with legs growing out of its head.
-Without further ado, I present-
Nine Science Books for Everyone
1. Cartoon Guide to Genetics
I’m serious, this is a great book! I found it years ago—it’s basic, it’s funny, it’s everything a cartoon guide should be. I love all of Larry Gonick’s Cartoon Guides, but this one holds a special place in my heart, because I found it before I discovered the thrill of genetics. If you’re looking to understand just a teeny bit of Mendelian Genetics, this is the place to start. It goes over some really basic ideas, and builds on each one until the wonderful end—in which you’re left chuckling and wanting to know more.
2. The Origin of the Species (first edition)
This would be on the top ten list. I bought a copy because I was ashamed that I had never read it. Everyone thinks they know what it says, but I’m willing to bet it’s one of the least read science books ever written. I wonder if Darwin had any idea that so many years later, we’d still be fighting over this text. Just read it, you can even do it online! You can thank me later. http://www.talkorigins.org/faqs/origin.html
3. Molecular Biology of the Cell
Simply one of the best, Alberts is a great reference. ‘nuff said. Well, if you really need more info, I wrote a review…
4. The Dragons of Eden: Speculations on the Evolution of Human Intelligence
Sagan was a god. Back in junior high, this was my introduction to all things Sagan. It may be a little outdated now, but like all really good books, it stands the test of time. Written in 1977, it covered some then-current thoughts on the evolution of the human brain. Most excellent.
5. The Double Helix
Okay, so I wasn’t so thrilled with this book, but include it in as one of the most important books rather than one of my favorites. It just has to be on any list, because Watson was a thieving genius. As a PhD student, Watson and Crick give me hope that I can make a difference (Watson was a student then); as a woman, Watson annoys me. But the book, which chronicles the discovery of the structure of DNA and the backbiting that went along with it, is undeniably important.
6. QED: The Strange Theory of Light and Matter
Feynman does an excellent job of explaining quantum electrodynamics to the everyday Joe (or Josephina). His writing is clear and quirky (quirky is an overused word when it comes to describing him, but it fits!), and even if you’ve never read a physics book in your life, this one can draw you in.
7. Paradigms Lost
Rarely mentioned, probably rarely read. I loved this book anyhow. John Casti covers the origin of life, the genetic basis of behavior, the existence of a “language-organ” in the human brain, thinking machines, and more. He sets up a case, and then presents arguments by various ‘witnesses.’ It’s a fun read, whether you agree with his conclusions or not (and I often didn’t).
8. Human Natures: Genes, Cultures, and the Human Prospect
P.R. Erlich presents a view of the evolution of human behavior that might anger a few folks. This book is a synthesis of current research (current being relative to the time it was written), and Erlich tries to propose conclusions. Not that I disagree with all of them, but I think the book deserves to be read critically. If you read it, use it as a reference, take away some insights, but be rational enough to think and draw your own conclusions.
9. Advice for a Young Investigator
This doesn’t sound like it’s for everyone, but it can be. It’s a fun read no matter what field you’re in, and I’ll bet the advice holds true for all.
Almost a century ago, Ramon y Cajal won a nobel prize in medicine for his work on the structure of the nervous system. He was a brilliant neuroscientist, and this book, full of fatherly advice, just seeps with brilliance (well, minus his views on what kind of a woman a scientist should marry). I’m officially a young investigator and have found this book to be the most useful one I’ve read yet, with advice that spans the test of time. His advice goes beyond common sense; for example, he reminds those of us just beginning our careers to realize our mentors are just people and aren’t necessarily smarter than we are. Undue admiration, he says, gets in the way of good investigation.
Back to his advice about women. Dr. Cajal was certainly a man of his time, and while he recognized the contributions of female scientists of his time, he is very specific about the kind of woman a scholarly man should marry. The bottom line to his advice is that a scientist should find a woman he will have control over, and one who will be happy to let science be his first love. Sadly, he never tells me what kind of man I should look for—but if I extrapolate his advice to women, I’m guessing Pee Wee Herman would be my ideal mate. In truth, I absolutely loved this chapter—and my male lab mates seemed to love it even more!
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Okay, there you have it. My coffee-buzz is dying and so it's time to finish the list. There are so many more books though, and limiting the list is tough. I left out Beak of the Finch; The Third Chimpanzee; Guns, Germs, and Steel and oh-so-many more. But if I don't stop, I'll be here until 4 a.m., the list will span twenty-seven screens of text, and I will have to brew yet another pot of liquid speed.
What are you still reading this for? Go get a book!
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Member: Mari Nichols-Haining
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