Science as Autobiography: The Troubled Life of Niels Jerne

Overview

This biography probes the unusual mind, the dramatic life, and the outstanding scientific work of Danish-born immunologist Niels Jerne (1911-1994). Jerne's Nobel Prize-winning achievements in the field of immunology place him in the pantheon of great twentieth-century biomedical theorists, yet his life is perhaps even more interesting than his science. Science as Autobiography tells Jerne's story, weaving together a narrative of his experiences, emotional life, and scientific work, and arguing that the source of Jerne's extraordinary creativity as a scientist rested in his life story. Drawing on Jerne's own extensive archives, on more than 150 hours of conversations with him, and on the recollections of over 90 friends, colleagues, and relatives, Thomas Soderqvist explores the myths and legends about Jerne -- his unparalleled powers of concentration and analytical keenness, his preference for conversation in a Paris cafe over work in the laboratory, his problematic personal life. Soderqvist punctuates the book with Jerne's own voice and makes the fascinating argument that Jerne's life experience and view of himself became a metaphorical resource for the construction of his theories. The author also probes the moral issues that surrounded Jerne's choice to sacrifice the welfare of his family in favor of scientific goals and the pursuit of excellence.

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