"THE DOUBLE HELIX"

Abstract

"The Double Helix" is a landmark work written by James D. Watson that chronicles the discovery of the DNA structure, arguably the most important scientific revelation of the 20th century. In a narrative that blends personal anecdotes with rigorous scientific exploration, Watson provides an intimate look into the competitive and often contentious race to solve the mystery of DNA’s double-stranded structure. The book offers insight into the collaboration between Watson and Francis Crick, alongside Rosalind Franklin's pivotal but underappreciated contributions. This article dissects the text's historical, scientific, and cultural implications, exploring how "The Double Helix" not only changed molecular biology but also opened debates about ethics, credit in scientific research, and the nature of discovery.