Science as Autobiography: The Troubled Life of Niels Jern

"Drawing on Jerne's own extensive archives, on more than 150 hours of conversation with him, and on the recollections of over 90 friends, colleagues, and relatives, Thomas Soderqvist explores the myths and legends about Jerne - his unparalleled powers of concentration and analytical keenness, his preference for conversation in a Paris cafe over work in the laboratory, his problematic personal life, Soderqvist punctuates the book with Jerne's own voice and makes the argument that Jerne's life experience and view of himself became a metaphorical resource for the construction of his theories. The author also probes the moral issues that surrounded Jerne's choice to sacrifice the welfare of his family in favor of scientific goals and the pursuit of excellence."--BOOK JACKET.