C. C. Little

Clarence Cook Little

C. C. Little (Clarence Cook Little, 1888–1971) was an influential American geneticist, educator, and cancer researcher. He served as the president of the University of Michigan from 1925 to 1929 and later founded the Jackson Laboratory in Bar Harbor, Maine.

Early Life and Education

C. C. Little was born in Brookline, Massachusetts on October 6, 1888. He pursued his higher education at Harvard University, where he developed an interest in genetics under the mentorship of William Ernest Castle, a prominent geneticist of the time. Little graduated with a bachelor's degree in 1910 and subsequently completed his master's degree in 1912.

Career

After completing his education, Little began his career in academia and research. He initially worked on mouse genetics and is credited with developing the first genetically standardized laboratory mice. These mice played a crucial role in the study of genetics, oncology, and other biomedical sciences.

In 1925, Little was appointed as the president of the University of Michigan, where he advocated for the integration of science and liberal arts in the university curriculum. However, his tenure was marked by controversies, including his support for eugenics and mandatory military training for students, leading to his resignation in 1929.

Following his tenure at the University of Michigan, Little focused on cancer research and the role of genetics in cancer. In 1929, he founded the Roscoe B. Jackson Memorial Laboratory (now known as the Jackson Laboratory) in Bar Harbor, Maine. The laboratory became a leading center for genetics and cancer research, particularly known for its development and distribution of genetically defined strains of mice for scientific research.

Contributions to Genetics and Cancer Research

Little's work at the Jackson Laboratory significantly advanced the field of genetics. He was among the first to suggest that cancer might be caused by genetic mutations, a hypothesis that has since been confirmed and forms the basis of modern cancer genetics. His establishment of the Jackson Laboratory helped standardize genetic research tools, making it possible for scientists worldwide to conduct more reliable and replicable studies.

Controversies

Despite his contributions to genetics and cancer research, Little's advocacy for eugenics and his views on race and intelligence have been widely criticized. His support for eugenics policies, which aimed at improving the genetic quality of the human population, has been a subject of controversy and has overshadowed some of his scientific contributions.

Legacy

C. C. Little's legacy is a complex one, marked by significant contributions to genetics and cancer research, as well as controversial views on eugenics. The Jackson Laboratory continues to be a leading institution in genetics research, serving as a testament to his lasting impact on the field.

Death

C. C. Little passed away on December 22, 1971, in Ellsworth, Maine. His work continues to influence the fields of genetics and biomedical research.