Letters for the Ages: Great Scientists: Private Letters from the Greatest Minds in Science

Insights are few and far between in this disappointing anthology, which excerpts correspondence from scientists throughout history. There are a few highlights bearing witness to major historical developments, such as a 1953 message molecular biologist Francis Crick wrote to his 12-year-old son describing for the first time in writing the molecular structure of DNA, and a 1912 letter in which Carl Jung ends his friendship with Sigmund Freud over the latter’s allegedly poor treatment of his pupils. Unfortunately, most other entries feel inconsequential and unrevealing. For example, in a 1941 letter, Orville Wright denies modeling his airplane control system on birds but doesn’t further discuss its development. A brief 1962 message Jane Goodall wrote from the field in Tanzania divulges only the obvious takeaway that she enjoyed studying chimpanzees. Oddly, some missives aren’t written by scientists. Among these are a letter by Clyde Barrow (of Bonnie and Clyde fame) thanking Henry Ford for the quality of his cars, and an 1887 open letter from Parisian artists complaining that the Eiffel Tower, which was then under construction, would be a blight on the city. Readers hoping for glimpses into the scientific process or the psychology of famous scientists will be frustrated. This feels like a missed opportunity. Photos. (Nov.)