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Under The Microscope

IS SCIENCE NECESSARY? Essays on Science and Scientists, by Max Perutz; Oxford University Press, 1991; 302 pages; $24.95

This has all the right credentials for a book of popular science essays. Perutz is a Nobel laureate who happened to be part of, or at least around at the time of, such events as the deportation of alien scientists from Britain during WWII and the discovery of the structure of DNA  -- topics touched on in the book.

He has been a regular reviewer for several leading publications, such reviews making up the bulk of the essays. Last, though probably least, the blurb on my copy contains comments so laudatory that the book nearly glows in the dark. All this succeeds in making me feel guilty about not really liking the thing.

It starts badly with the first essay, which presents the case for science in the same format, with the same emotional impact, and almost at the same length as the Minister of Finance presenting a budget. You're left feeling that perhaps really there is no alternative, but you'll be damned if you'll vote for it.

Things improve a little with the rest of the articles. Unfortunately, because most of them are actually extended book reviews, the stories are an extra step removed from actual events, and this does hit home when trying to get a feel of what was really going on. When Perutz does impose his impressions on the events, he tends to say the same thing over and over -- this is perhaps sloppiness on the editor's part.

Is Science Necessary does shine during the longish first-hand account of Perutz's treatment during the war. This rambling, anarchic piece, ranging from his deportation to Canada to his work on a scheme to invade Europe using reinforced-iceberg aircraft carriers, really does "click".

It is a pity that we couldn't have more such commentary by Perutz on events rather than commentary on commentary.

Tony Smith, NZSM Wellington