A Centennial: George W. Beadle, 1903–1989

Abstract

GEORGE BEADLE was a quadruple-threat man—scientist, teacher, administrator, and public citizen. He excelled in each. Furthermore, he did what very few geneticists did in his time: he studied three different organisms and made outstanding discoveries in every case. He followed his interests and undertook his diverse responsibilities with zeal, confidence, cheerfulness, and equanimity. In October 2003 a centennial symposium was held at the California Institute of Technology at which several of Beadle's colleagues spoke. Here we present a biography followed by brief vignettes from several of his associates. Most are taken from talks given at the symposium. This account is based mainly on two sources, to which the reader is referred for further information: a biographical memoir for the National Academy of Sciences (Horowitz 1990) and a recent book (Berg and Singer 2003). Horowitz (1990) presents a list of Beadle's many honors and an extensive reference list, which includes his most important articles. Berg and Singer provide a full and beautifully written account of Beadle's scientific, administrative, public, and personal life, along with background information on other workers and the state of genetics at the time.

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