NZSM Online

Get TurboNote+ desktop sticky notes

Interclue makes your browsing smarter, faster, more informative

SciTech Daily Review

Webcentre Ltd: Web solutions, Smart software, Quality graphics

Under The Microscope

CHANCE AND NECESSITY by Jacques Monod; Penguin, 1997;
199 pp; $24.95

Reviewed by Neville Gardner

When first published in 1970, this influential book clarified the world of Darwinism and molecular biology for biologists and non-biologists alike. At that time most scientists steered clear of philosophy, but Monod got right to the molecular heart of what life is, and attempted to explain a biological foundation for human nature. The writing style is a bit dated, and at times rather jargon rich for the non-specialist, but overall the book is quite readable.

In recent years, people have produced more detailed philosophies of biology, and writers such as Richard Dawkins have really popularised evolution. However, the republication of Monod's book takes us back to basics, to the role of chance in evolution, and still challenges our views of evolution and society. This book is not just of historical interest, I believe it still has a valuable place on a biologist's bookshelf.

Dr Neville Gardner is Senior Science Educator at The Science Centre and Manawatu Museum in Palmerston North.