Wandering in the gardens of the mind : Peter Mitchell and the making of Glynn /

This biography of noted cell biologist and Nobel laureate Mitchell chronicles the struggles, controversies, and determination of an unconventional gentleman scientist. Born into a family with considerable financial resources, young Mitchell grew up defying both societal and scientific conventions. The freedom to chart his own path may ultimately have been the single most important factor in his discovery of the principles behind the "chemiosmotic theory" that drives ATP synthesis. By establishing his own research institute (Glynn Research Institute) and personally covering expenses (at times), he was able to circumvent the sometimes-myopic scrutiny of the scientific establishment. The book is both well researched and clearly written. Minor criticisms include the inability of authors Prebble (emer., Univ. of London) and Weber (California State Univ., Fullerton; Bennington College) to capture the fervor of the different players in the field of oxidative phosphorylation who bickered and defended their own competing theories. More detailed scientific data would have increased the value of this book as a teaching tool. The book's price makes it prohibitive for private collections. As an above-average biography, this work is suitable for readers with a biological background and an interest in the history of biological sciences. ^BSumming Up: Recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through professionals. J. M. Tomich Kansas State University