J. B. S. Haldane

Marcello Siniscalco (standing) and J.B.S. Haldane in Andra Pradesh, India, 1964

John Burdon Sanderson Haldane Avenue - Kolkata 7660

Old Low's Almanack - Prophesies for 1949; J.B. S. Haldane Wellcome L0073422

Inordinate fondness for beetles display

J. B. S. Haldane (5 November 1892 – 1 December 1964) was a British-Indian scientist known for his work in the study of genetics, evolution, and biochemistry. Renowned for his wide-ranging contributions to various scientific fields, Haldane's work has had a lasting impact on our understanding of genetic linkage and enzyme kinetics, among other areas.

Early Life and Education

Born in Oxford, England, to John Scott Haldane, a physiologist, and Louisa Kathleen Trotter, a public health activist, Haldane was introduced to the scientific world at an early age. He attended Eton College and later studied at New College, Oxford, where he graduated with first-class honours in Mathematics. Despite his initial focus on mathematics, Haldane's interest soon shifted towards genetics and evolution, influenced by his father's scientific work and the burgeoning field of genetics.

Scientific Career

Haldane's scientific career was marked by significant contributions across multiple disciplines. In genetics, he is best known for his work on genetic linkage, which he developed alongside Ronald A. Fisher and Sewall Wright, forming the foundation of population genetics. His famous paper, "A Mathematical Theory of Natural and Artificial Selection," laid the groundwork for the modern synthesis of evolutionary biology.

In addition to his genetic research, Haldane made substantial contributions to biochemistry, particularly in the study of enzyme kinetics. He proposed the Haldane hypothesis, which suggests a link between the oxygen-carrying capacity of hemoglobin and the evolutionary adaptation of species to their environments.

Haldane's interests were not confined to the laboratory. He was a committed socialist and wrote extensively on the social and scientific implications of genetics and evolution. His popular science books and essays, such as "Daedalus; or, Science and the Future" and "Possible Worlds," brought scientific ideas to a broader audience and stimulated public interest in genetics.

Later Life and Legacy

In 1957, disillusioned with the political climate in Britain, Haldane moved to India, where he became a naturalized citizen and continued his research until his death in 1964. His work in India included studies on the genetics of high-altitude adaptation among the people of the Himalayas.

Haldane's legacy is vast. He is remembered not only for his scientific achievements but also for his ability to communicate complex ideas to the public and his unwavering commitment to the application of science for the public good. His interdisciplinary approach to science, combining mathematics, biology, and chemistry, paved the way for future generations of scientists.

Selected Works

• "A Mathematical Theory of Natural and Artificial Selection" (1924)
• "Daedalus; or, Science and the Future" (1924)
• "Possible Worlds and Other Essays" (1927)
• "The Causes of Evolution" (1932)

See Also

• Population genetics
• Genetic linkage
• Evolutionary biology
• Biochemistry

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