What Is Life?: with "Mind and Matter" and "Autobiographical Sketches" - Softcover

Schrödinger, Erwin

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0521427088 ISBN 13: 9780521427081

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 1992

Synopsis

Nobel laureate Erwin Schrödinger's What is Life? is one of the great science classics of the twentieth century. A distinguished physicist's exploration of the question which lies at the heart of biology, it was written for the layman, but proved one of the spurs to the birth of molecular biology and the subsequent discovery of the structure of DNA. The philosopher Karl Popper hailed it as a 'beautiful and important book' by 'a great man to whom I owe a personal debt for many exciting discussions'. It appears here together with Mind and Matter, his essay investigating a relationship which has eluded and puzzled philosophers since the earliest times. Schrodinger asks what place consciousness occupies in the evolution of life, and what part the state of development of the human mind plays in moral questions. Brought together with these two classics are Schrödinger's autobiographical sketches, published and translated here for the first time. They offer a fascinating fragmentary account of his life as a background to his scientific writings, making this volume a valuable additon to the shelves of scientist and layman alike.

About this title

Book Description:

Includes an exploration of "the question" which lies at the heart of biology (What is Life?), an investigation of a relationship which still puzzles philosophers (Mind and Matter), and autobiographical sketches, published and translated for the first time.

Review:

"One of the great science classics of the 20th century.... This is the book that provided the inspiration that gave birth to molecular biology and the discovery of DNA." Research News and Opportunities in Science and Theology

"...delightful...Schrödinger writes in a naturally relaxed and pleasant tone that leads us through the difficulties of his subject...It is well worth the trouble. For the serious student of origin-of-life theories, it is the obvious place to start." The Boston Book Review

About this edition

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 1992
• ISBN 10: 0521427088
• ISBN 13: 9780521427081
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 194