The Art and Politics of Science

Harold Varmus is one of the most distinguished of living American scientists, having won the Nobel Prize in medicine and been director of the NIH. This book grew out of a lecture series and tells the story of how the author became a scientist while retaining his interest in literature, how his cancer research developed - this is quite technical - then the story of his time at the NIH including reflections on what happens to a scientist after they have won the Nobel Prize. Many become public figures and are drawn into the wider social questions of science. The last part discusses some continuing controversies including cloning and stem cell research and the author's role in promoting online publication in journals. The epilogue reflects on his life in science and the relationship of science to the deepest questions in life. He remains mystified by the universe, but does not feel that religion can provide the answers. Highly readable.