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Lot #775
DNA: James D. Watson Signed Book Presented to Francis Crick (DNA: The Secret of Life)

DNA: The Secret of Life, inscribed by Watson to Crick—representing the greatest scientific collaboration of the 20th century

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Description

DNA: The Secret of Life, inscribed by Watson to Crick—representing the greatest scientific collaboration of the 20th century

Signed book: DNA: The Secret of Life by James D. Watson with Andrew Berry. Pre-publication printing. Comb-bound, 9.25 x 11, 356 pages [the book, as published, was 446 pages]. Signed and inscribed on the cover page in black ballpoint to Francis Crick and his wife, "For Francis & Odile, from Jim, 27 November 2002." In fine condition, with toning to the clear protective overlay. Crick’s wife Odile, co-recipient of this presentation copy, is famous for her drawing of the DNA molecule, published in Nature in April 1953 and subsequently widely reproduced in textbooks, scientific articles, and popular literature: 'It may be the most famous [scientific] drawing of the 20th century, in that it defines modern biology' (Terrence J. Sejnowski, Salk Institute).

Francis Collins commented: 'A remarkable alignment of the planets is occurring in 2003: the 50th anniversary of the double helix and the completion of the sequence of the human genome. As a defining figure in both landmark events, no other human being on the planet is positioned to write as authoritatively about all this as Jim Watson. In DNA: The Secret of Life he does so with characteristic clarity, style, and wit. If you really want to know what happened in the most important half-century of biology since the world began, read this.'

This splendid presentation copy represents the greatest scientific collaboration of the 20th century. The names Watson and Crick will forever be linked in the history of science.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title: Fine Autograph and Artifacts Featuring Major Figures of Science and Technology
  • Dates: #665 - Ended May 10, 2023





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