Matt Ridley's "Francis Crick: Discoverer of the Genetic Code"

Postscript by Koji Tamura

When I began my research at The Scripps Research Institute in the US in 1999, Francis Crick was at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies, which is close to the Scripps. Fortunately, I had opportunities to meet him. Until then, I only had a vague impression of him as one of the discoverers of the double helix of DNA, but I discovered his personality by observing his remarks and actions. I was deeply impressed and inspired by him. He also had a delightful sense of humor (e.g., personalizing the license plate of his Mercedes-Benz as "ATGC"). In addition, the nameplate on the front door of his office read "Salk Institute, Francis Crick" in Japanese (see the photos below).

I clearly remember the day in July 2004 that I received the news of Francis Crick's death - as if it were yesterday. I talked about him with my friends at the Scripps. Even after the discovery of the double-helix model, he led the way for cracking the genetic code and finally focused on human consciousness. Life and consciousness were the main themes of his impressive body of work. As Matt Ridley wrote in this biography, Francis Crick was a genius, comparable to Galileo Galilei, Charles Darwin, and Albert Einstein. He has tremendously contributed the rise of molecular biology.

I was very honored to have the opportunity to translate Matt Ridley's "Francis Crick: Discoverer of the Genetic Code" into Japanese. This honor is especially meaningful since 2016 is the 100th anniversary of his birth. Francis Crick has had an immeasurable impact on my life, but through the process of the translation, I have made new discoveries about him. Beyond being a mere biography, I would like this translation to deliver the preciousness of science to a lot of people - through the life of Francis Crick.

A lot of books, including James Watson's "The Double Helix: A Personal Account of the Discovery of the Structure of DNA" and books by Francis Crick himself explain the process of the foundation of molecular biology. Among these books, "Francis Crick: Discoverer of the Genetic Code" is characterized by the depiction of the life of an extremely distinguished scientist, which has been streamlined by Ridley's sharp writing. Matt Ridley is well-known for popular science books, e.g., "Genome: The Autobiography of a Species in 23 Chapters", "The Red Queen: Sex and the Evolution of Human Nature", and "The Rational Optimist: How Prosperity Evolves". I think Matt Ridley took on the biography of Francis Crick because Ridley understands being a great scientist firsthand; Ridley holds a Ph.D. in zoology. He deftly described the life of Francis Crick - down to the most personal moments. This book only contains two images in the main body of text. These are "double helix of DNA" and "genetic code table", which are the greatest gifts that Francis Crick left behind. As hallmarks of the foundation of molecular biology, they will continue to shine forever. The book is a masterpiece in the history of science. In 2007, it was awarded the "Watson Davis and Helen Miles Davis Prize" from the History of Science Society in the US. I feel that Ridley's message will even resonate among those with less knowledge about science. It is very suitable for general readers and students.

If you look at the history of science itself, it is evident that science did originate from the question unrelated to something useful. Rather, the process of loving knowledge itself has contributed to forming human culture. Undoubtedly, Francis Crick faced science with such an attitude. At the ceremony at the Salk, Francis's son Michael said, "Francis did not want to be famous, wealthy, or popular." Francis Crick continued to be "just a scientist" throughout his life, and he devoted himself to science until his death.

I first met Francis Crick when he was already over 80, and even then, I was overwhelmed by his existence - even though I regarded myself as a researcher of the genetic code. Francis Crick is generally known as part of the pair "Watson and Crick". James Watson is famous for his bestseller "The Double Helix". Francis Crick may have felt some displeasure at the story that James Wason described in the book. Contrasting James Watson, Francis Crick chose to complete his life with single-minded devotion to science itself.

Francis's granddaughter Kindra is a successful artist in Portland, Oregon, USA. Matt Ridley's biography also describes how her artistic style is very reminiscent of her grandfather's work. While making the Japanese version of the book, Kindra kindly wrote a preface. In addition, she gave me some valuable information and photos. I appreciate her help very much. The cover photo is of Francis Crick in his office at the Salk. Finally, I would like to sincerely thank Kunie Suzuki from Keiso Shobo Publishing for her patience, advice, and editing. Without her help, the publication of the Japanese version would not have been realized.

Koji Tamura

Francis Crick's 100th birthday commemorative article by Koji Tamura

(Tweet by Indian Academy of Sciences)

The Genetic Code: Francis Crick's Legacy and Beyond

(Special Issue "Francis Crick", Life Journal)

(Welcome to the Tamura Lab)

Go to "Francis Crick in Kyoto"

Go to Paul Strathern's "Crick, Watson & DNA"

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