Origins of Life - Hardcover

Dyson, Freeman

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0521309492 ISBN 13: 9780521309493

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 1986

Synopsis

This general book starts by surveying theories and experiments concerned with the origin of life; it then gives a sketch of new ideas and experiments by which the gaps in our understanding may be filled. The principal new idea is that a search for chemical models of primitive life which are highly tolerant of errors may result in the recognition of structures which do not involve exact replication of molecules. It is suggested that genes originated later, as parasites infecting an earlier non-replicating fauna. As the word origins in the title implies, the author suggests that we should look carefully at the notion that life began twice, once with cells and later with genes. The book is based on the Tarner lectures, given with the support of Trinity College, Cambridge, to a mixed university audience of educated but not expert listeners. It is therefore written for such a non-specialist reader.

About this title

Review:

."..a small, charming, lucid, and important book." Mathematical Biosciences ."..provocative, entertaining, and, above all, makes one think." Episodes ."..smooth flowing prose that doesn't force the reader into conceptual thickets, or permit one to become bogged down in technical aspects..." Journal of Geological Education "An interesting book, clearly written and well argued, it can certainly be recommended..." Amazon.com

Book Description:

How did life on earth originate? Did replication or metabolism come first in the history of life? In this updated and expanded second edition of Origins of Life, Freeman Dyson examines these questions and discusses the two main theories that try to explain how naturally occurring chemicals could organize themselves into living creatures.

About this edition

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 1986
• ISBN 10: 0521309492
• ISBN 13: 9780521309493
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 96