The Cold War in Biology

THE COLD WAR IN BIOLOGY. By Carl C. Lindegren. Ann Arbor, MIich.,
Planarian Press, Inc., 1967. 133 pp. $6.50.
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