While browsing the web I came across a very interesting article about Francis Crick, the creator of the modern DNA structure. I was in disbelief when I read this, “FRANCIS CRICK, the Nobel Prize-winning father of modern genetics, was under the influence of LSD when he first deduced the double-helix structure of DNA nearly 50 years ago.”
Skeptical, I tried finding more reliable sources…
“Crick forged his own path through life. Mr. Ridley dwells only briefly on Crick’s heterodox views and experimental way of life. He seldom read newspapers, because working in intelligence had convinced him that most stories never reached the press. He experimented with marijuana and LSD, Mr. Ridley reports.”
“Dr Crick also wrote on religion and consciousness, apparently experimenting with LSD and had a tempestuous relationship with academic institutions, often refusing positions or himself being snubbed for ones he applied for – including a professorship at Cambridge University after his DNA discovery.”
If you take a look at what he had to work with, the electon microphotographs with their symmetrical blotches of greyscale fuzz, it would be a wonder that anyone not on some mind altering substance could figure it out. I don’t know whether the story is true, but it sure wouldn’t surprise me.
And what if it was true? Wouldn’t surprise me either, since such revolutionary ideas often occur “randomly”, after you have spend a LOAD of time on a given problem. It’s the nature of the brain. And why not on a LSD trip?
Actually, there are always such nice stories like the one with Kekule and Benzene…he “found” the ring-structure during a dream…or maybe not. Nobody knows for sure, but it makes a nice story.
Well, years ago I’ve seen that movie about the discovery of DNA (starring Jeff Goldblum). There were 3 scientists involved. The 3rd female scientist was the one who postulated the double helix. But she regretfully died before the Nobel prize was awarded.
Kekule and Benzene…he “found” the ring-structure during a dream.
The one he dreamt about a snake biting its own tail? Many solution to stuff come from the creative subconscious/ right brain.
The 3rd female scientist was the one who postulated the double helix. But she regretfully died before the Nobel prize was awarded.
Those two screwed her over royaly, they took the work of others and became famous. Sorry to say but as a molecular biologist I have no respect for them.
I saw a TV doco about this and similar cool stuff that came out of acid trips a few years back. Made me want to try psychedelics, though I have yet to do so.
Other cools stuff included the conception of shareware and mentally simulating complex electric circuits for electrical engineering.
Yes, exactly. And that’s what I wanted to say as well. It’s how the brain works, or how some of the scientists think it does (and which sounds reasonable to me).