Synopses & Reviews
In this powerful work of conceptual and analytical originality, the author argues for the primacy of the material arrangements of the laboratory in the dynamics of modern molecular biology. In a post-Kuhnian move away from the hegemony of theory, he develops a new epistemology of experimentation in which research is treated as a process for producing epistemic things.
A central concern of the book is the basic question of how novelty is generated in the empirical sciences. In addressing this question, the author brings French poststructuralist thinking—notably Jacques Derridas concepts of “différance” and “historiality”—to bear on the construction of epistemic things. Historiographical perspective shifts from the actors minds to their objects of manipulation.
These epistemological and historical issues are illuminated in a detailed case study of a particular laboratory, that of the oncologist and biochemist Paul C. Zamecnik and his colleagues, located in a specific setting—the Collis P. Huntington Memorial Hospital of Harvard University at the Massachusetts General Hospital of Boston. The author traces how, between 1945 and 1965, this group developed an experimental system for synthesizing proteins in the test tube that put Zamecniks research team at the forefront of those who led biochemistry into the era of molecular biology.
Synopsis
In this powerful and original work the author argues for the primacy of the material arrangements of the laboratory in the dynamics of modern molecular biology.
Synopsis
Arguing for the primacy of the material arrangements of the laboratory in the dynamics of modern molecular biology, the author develops a new epistemology of experimentation in which research is treated as a process for producing epistemic things.
Synopsis
“This is one of the most profound works in the history and philosophy of science in decades. One seldom encounters works of such depth and originality; its conceptual framework and analytical tools are truly pathbreaking. The literary style of the work is inspiring in its poetic qualities, and the blend of wit, playfulness, rigor, and succinctness makes for captivating reading.”—Lily E. Kay, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Synopsis
In this powerful work of conceptual and analytical originality, the author argues for the primacy of the material arrangements of the laboratory in the dynamics of modern molecular biology. In a post-Kuhnian move away from the hegemony of theory, he develops a new epistemology of experimentation in which research is treated as a process for producing epistemic things.
A central concern of the book is the basic question of how novelty is generated in the empirical sciences. In addressing this question, the author brings French poststructuralist thinkingnotably Jacques Derridas concepts of différance” and historiality”to bear on the construction of epistemic things. Historiographical perspective shifts from the actors minds to their objects of manipulation.
These epistemological and historical issues are illuminated in a detailed case study of a particular laboratory, that of the oncologist and biochemist Paul C. Zamecnik and his colleagues, located in a specific settingthe Collis P. Huntington Memorial Hospital of Harvard University at the Massachusetts General Hospital of Boston. The author traces how, between 1945 and 1965, this group developed an experimental system for synthesizing proteins in the test tube that put Zamecniks research team at the forefront of those who led biochemistry into the era of molecular biology.
Description
Includes bibliographical references (p. [277]-314) and index.
About the Author
Hans-Jörg Rheinberger is director at the Max Planck Institute for the History of Science in Berlin.
Table of Contents
Prologue; 1. After all: an epistemology of the beginning; 2. Experimental systems and epistemic things; 3. Out of cancer research, 1947-50; 4. Establishing an in vitro system of protein synthesis, 1949-52; 5. Reproduction and difference; 6. Defining fractions, 1952-55; 7. Spaces of representation; 8. The activation of amino acids, 1954-56; 9. Conjunctures, hybrids, bifurcations, experimental cultures; 10. Toward molecular biology: the emergence of soluble RNA, 1955-58; 11. Historiality, narration and reflection; 12. Names matter: transfer RNA and Ribosomes, 1958-61; 13. Play-off; messenger RNA and the genetic code; Epilogue: science and writing; Glossary; Notes; References; Index.