The Life Puzzle

On Crystals and Organisms and on the Possibility of a Crystal as an Ancestor

Nonfiction, Science & Nature, Science, Chemistry, Physical & Theoretical, Other Sciences, Molecular Biology, Biological Sciences, Molecular Physics
Cover of the book The Life Puzzle by A.G. Cairns-Smith, University of Toronto Press, Scholarly Publishing Division
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Author: A.G. Cairns-Smith ISBN: 9781442654396
Publisher: University of Toronto Press, Scholarly Publishing Division Publication: December 15, 1971
Imprint: Language: English
Author: A.G. Cairns-Smith
ISBN: 9781442654396
Publisher: University of Toronto Press, Scholarly Publishing Division
Publication: December 15, 1971
Imprint:
Language: English

What is the origin of life? Molecular biology shows us one kind, but in thinking about it we must consider those generalised aspects of living organisation that are common to all conceivable forms of life. The author believes that only a combination of general biological theory and particular chemical knowledge can solve the problems of the origin and re-creation of life. This book does not fall into either the classical Haldane or Oparin schools of thought on the origin of life, but advances a thesis of its own, which, according to Professor C.H. Waddington, is one of the most important recent intellectual developments in this field.

Part I considers the role of molecular biology in formulating a view of life as it exists now. Part II turns to more general aspects of the organisation of matter. In Part III the author advances his own theories on the origin of life—theories which are both revolutionary and reactionary. As he remarks, 'If my conclusions are correct it may be difficult to find the right system, but it would be easy to make a very simple organism once we have.'

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What is the origin of life? Molecular biology shows us one kind, but in thinking about it we must consider those generalised aspects of living organisation that are common to all conceivable forms of life. The author believes that only a combination of general biological theory and particular chemical knowledge can solve the problems of the origin and re-creation of life. This book does not fall into either the classical Haldane or Oparin schools of thought on the origin of life, but advances a thesis of its own, which, according to Professor C.H. Waddington, is one of the most important recent intellectual developments in this field.

Part I considers the role of molecular biology in formulating a view of life as it exists now. Part II turns to more general aspects of the organisation of matter. In Part III the author advances his own theories on the origin of life—theories which are both revolutionary and reactionary. As he remarks, 'If my conclusions are correct it may be difficult to find the right system, but it would be easy to make a very simple organism once we have.'

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