Summary of The Double Helix Book by James Watson, KBE
4.5 . 1188 reviews
Short summary
James Watson and Francis Crick were the first geneticists and molecular biologists who cracked the DNA structure. Many scientists didn’t have faith in their research, and the public didn’t place much value in the role of DNA in our lives. But Watson and Crick knew that revealing this secret will change the understanding of biological processes. Maurice Wilkins, a biophysicist, was the one who believed in them and contributed to making this brilliant discovery. His X-ray images of DNA assured Watson and Crick that they had still more to learn about its structure. They made many mistakes and fought with their colleagues, but they withstood all the challenges, found what DNA looked like, and won a Nobel Prize in 1962.
"...I do not believe that the way DNA came out constitutes an odd exception to a scientific world complicated by the contradictory pulls of ambition and the sense of fair play." ~ James Watson, KBE
Yes, scientists can blow something up in their labs
Listen the first key point
00:00
00:00
James Watson, inspired by Maurice Wilkins, a biophysicist, decided to take DNA X-ray work. He was already interested in finding out DNA structure; he was absorbed by gene studies in college. Watson wasn't keen on chemistry lessons and hoped that his interest in genes wouldn't require learning it. Admitting his laziness, he shared that he tried to avoid complex subjects by focusing on researching birds. Attending classes at Indiana University, he attempted to devote his efforts to biochemistry, ending with unfavorable bunsen burner use. As you might have guessed, he caused a minor explosion, resulting in him giving up chemistry and possibly saving Indiana from other explosions.
Even brilliant scientists can sometimes be lazy, so stop torturing yourself for not wanting to do some tasks.
Later on, life gave him people who managed to teach him chemistry—Herman Kalckar, a biochemist and Watson’s mentor, and Salvador Luria, a microbiologist. During his journey to Denmark, Watson learned numerous chemical facts which could beneficially influence his DNA study. Luria, interested in researching DNA structure, focused on confirming or refuting a specific suggestion among geneticists. They supposed that viruses were the key to DNA structure because they resembled naked DNA. Luria and other scientists examined bacterial viruses in the 1940s. However, Luria wasn't sure that finding out a virus's chemical structure would be enough. He thought that researchers should know more about DNA to investigate it more effectively.
All the efforts to make Watson learn chemistry seriously failed. He didn't believe that, by any chance, it could be related to his study of DNA. Besides, Watson didn't understand Kalckar's explanations. He met Ole Maaloe, Kalckar's friend, who was enthusiastic about working with viruses. Watson visited Maaloe's lab so often that it broke the terms of fellowship, which required him to work with Kalckar. However, during one of the rare moments spent in Kalckar's lab, Watson found out that his mentor wanted to get a divorce, so that he couldn't teach the future DNA structure discoverer. Now, he could visit Maaloe as often as he wished without breaking any rules.
I could cycle each day over to Ole's lab, knowing it was clearly better to deceive the fellowship electors about where I was working than to force Herman to talk about biochemistry. ~ James Watson, KBE
This summary will reveal to you how a scientific world struggled to know something that seems so simple to us now. Which processes did they follow to discover the DNA structure? What challenges did they have to overcome? It wasn't laziness and the absence of desire to study chemistry; scientists also struggled with the lack of acknowledgement but never gave up. This summary will inspire you to proceed with doing something you love.
second key point
The things a person is ready to give up for science
Kalckar invited Watson to visit Naples, where the latter decided to pay more attention to genetics. Maurice Wilkins arrived in Italy as well. But scientists weren't talking about science. They spent time on excursions or sitting in the lab, which irritated Watson, who had to listen about biochemistry instead of focusing on genetics. He dreamt about discovering the great secret of DNA but felt frustrated that he didn't accomplish anything.
"The Double Helix" is a captivating memoir that delves into the exhilarating journey of unraveling the mystery behind the structure of DNA. Written by a renowned scientist, this personal account takes readers behind the scenes of the scientific community in the 1950s, revealing the intense competition, brilliant minds, and ethical dilemmas that shaped one of the greatest scientific breakthroughs in history.
Who should read The Double Helix
Scientists and researchers interested in the history of DNA discovery.
Biology students and enthusiasts seeking insights into DNA structure.
Individuals curious about the personal experiences of a renowned scientist.
Let’s check how many titles you can finish in a month with Headway! Tell us how much time you’d like to spend on reading:
2 min/day
5 min/day
10 min/day
15 min/day
20 min/day
30 min/day
45 min/day
4 titles/month
10 titles/month
20 titles/month
30 titles/month
40 titles/month
60 titles/month
90 titles/month
4 titles/month
10 titles/month
20 titles/month
30 titles/month
40 titles/month
60 titles/month
90 titles/month
Join 30+ million learners around the world
60K5 reviews on App Store and Google Play
Everything you need to be motivate, to learn & to self improves is all here. I actually do appreciate the reminders because otherwise this wouldn’t work for me. Thank you
sandypantalones
Headway is the answer! No longer accumulating books I never read. With Headway, I initially chose the areas important to me such as productivity, time management, etc., and each day I'm provided several book summaries from which I devote 20 minutes or more each day reading. All of this on my phone! My life has improved with Headway. Truly my most useful app.
Carol Slinker
An excellent concept, executed well. Headway can help you retain what you've read while introducing you to the essential core of new information. It's an easier way to stay inspired, and to be reminded of the mental tools you've learned
Fuse Henry
In today’s world, we rarely have time. Between our jobs, our families are social obligations, when do we have time to grow and develop ourselves? Headway is an excellent app that gives you that time it gives you those little snippets of information that you need to direct your focus in on your life. Headway gives you a chance to find out the meat of a book that you might want to purchase and read or listen to in-depth without wasting a lot of time trying to figure out is this book for me? I highly recommend the app.
sleepy sprite
The selections are on point and the summaries are excellent! I listen while I walk my pup 🐶 and have in turn, ordered a few selections! REALLY loving the app, it’s layout, daily selections and features!
JuicyBaby328
I've gotten multiple books out of the library with the intent to read them, but always have a hard time finding the time. This app has helped me finally be able to get to them. Summarized, yes, and thank goodness too! Just short enough I can finish one on my way picking kids up from school/practice, or while I'm cooking dinner. I can't wait to listen to them over the summer when we visit the beach!
Jillian Emmert
It amazed me! There is the possibility to highlight the most important points of each book and instantly translate unfamiliar vocabulary. With the ability to review the searched words. It's a great way to learn more about English as well. The price is great.
Fiamma
I’m enjoying what I’m learning on headway.each summary comes with quotes at the end which you can save to help you remember key points. You can listen or read, I’ve found that reading puts me to sleep before I can finish but the listening feature keeps me engaged and I can finish in a brief amount of time if not one session.
Epic waters
The app it’s so easy to use. I use it while driving or cooking and is great. I love the fact that the chapters are short, so you can finish them quickly. Very knowledgeable.
kathytaveras
The best app for self development.It helps to keep pace with your reading and also suggests the kind of reading material you might like.It is fun as you can switch from reading to listening and vice-versa as per your convenience .Just get started and partake of the treasure of knowledge at your fingertips .I feel lucky to have spotted the app.It has helped me become self-disciplined and much better informed.The audio track is excellent.
anita yadav
Exactly what I need! I always have booklist to read, but can't committed enough to finish/start bc of too much pages. Headway is really helpful and concise with their summary. What I love the most is that the essence of the book is well crafted, so I don't only read the key points, but also there's the story and how personality of the author still well shown through the summary. Well done!
Feninda Amalia
This is outstanding best app ever and honestly whoever came up with is my app is an absolute genius kudos my gratitude definitely goes out and I’m only on my first week free trial and I’m certainly going to purchase this app annually. Now that I have it, I can’t even imagine living without it.
Darlin NIKKIDOLL0923
Have questions?
Asking the right questions brings you closer to achieving your goals
Can I test out Headway before purchasing it for my team?Payment
Sure, we will gladly give you access to our app for a certain period if you are interested in purchasing a corporate subscription for your team. Please fill out the form on the website or email partners@makeheadway.com. We will get back to you soon.
What should I do if some of my employees already have your Premium subscription?Payment
Sure, we will gladly give you access to our app for a certain period if you are interested in purchasing a corporate subscription for your team. Please fill out the form on the website or email partners@makeheadway.com. We will get back to you soon.
Can I increase or decrease the number of subscriptions on my corporate subscription once it’s started?Payment
Sure, we will gladly give you access to our app for a certain period if you are interested in purchasing a corporate subscription for your team. Please fill out the form on the website or email partners@makeheadway.com. We will get back to you soon.
What are the benefits of books summary?
Do you find yourself staring at your computer for long minutes, unaware of time slipping by? Do you enter a room and suddenly cannot remember why you stepped in the first place? Is it a herculean task for you to sit through ten pages of a book without reaching for your phone? If yes, your focus needs some work and fast.
Actually, yours is not a unique situation. Many adults like you have issues concentrating on a given task. However, in this fast-paced world of ours, you can’t afford to be not focused at all times. Thankfully, this article comes to your rescue! With the tips and tricks from Hyperfocus by Chris Bailey, you will get in the top percent of folks who have mastered the art of concentration.
Do you find yourself staring at your computer for long minutes, unaware of time slipping by? Do you enter a room and suddenly cannot remember why you stepped in the first place? Is it a herculean task for you to sit through ten pages of a book without reaching for your phone? If yes, your focus needs some work and fast.
Actually, yours is not a unique situation. Many adults like you have issues concentrating on a given task. However, in this fast-paced world of ours, you can’t afford to be not focused at all times. Thankfully, this article comes to your rescue! With the tips and tricks from Hyperfocus by Chris Bailey, you will get in the top percent of folks who have mastered the art of concentration.