After his death in 1884, thousands of Gregor Mendel’s letters and notes — filled with scientific data and figures — were destroyed. What did the friar discover, and what have we forgotten?
So well written weaving science, society and religion in Mendel's time. This article inspired me to read more into the lives of men who were pioneers in their fields not just about their scientific accomplishments but their lives as whole.
First, this was an excellent article regarding Gregor Mendel.
Decades ago I attended Villanova University in Pennsylvania. Villanova was founded and run by the Augustinian order. On campus, there were various statues and placards of G. Mendel. However, as mentioned in the article, there was little taught or discussed about him, his work and his life except that "he was the father of modern genetics."
This article has revealed a new and unexpected side to Mendel and his accomplishments. Also, in particular, I did not know until now that many of his works were destroyed after his death. I could speculate as to the underlying reasons for this drastic immolation of his papers and research, but I am no expert on his life and times, nor on who would have given the orders for what I consider a reprehensible act.
Again, thank you for the article. It really does adjust my view on something I took for granted for so many years.
There is a lot to be said from seeing Mendel in the a realistic context; Gregory Radick has a lot to say on the tops: This is a good place to start https://www.nature.com/articles/533293a
So well written weaving science, society and religion in Mendel's time. This article inspired me to read more into the lives of men who were pioneers in their fields not just about their scientific accomplishments but their lives as whole.
Glad to hear it, Lakshmi. Thanks for reading!
First, this was an excellent article regarding Gregor Mendel.
Decades ago I attended Villanova University in Pennsylvania. Villanova was founded and run by the Augustinian order. On campus, there were various statues and placards of G. Mendel. However, as mentioned in the article, there was little taught or discussed about him, his work and his life except that "he was the father of modern genetics."
This article has revealed a new and unexpected side to Mendel and his accomplishments. Also, in particular, I did not know until now that many of his works were destroyed after his death. I could speculate as to the underlying reasons for this drastic immolation of his papers and research, but I am no expert on his life and times, nor on who would have given the orders for what I consider a reprehensible act.
Again, thank you for the article. It really does adjust my view on something I took for granted for so many years.
Thanks, Paul. I'm glad to hear that the article was eye opening.
History is very important to know and his life was interesting to read. It's amazing
Highly recommend Weeden’s article on the subject - https://academic.oup.com/jhered/article/107/7/635/2622950
Hint - we would absolutely call this academic misconduct these days. Make of this what you shall.
There is a lot to be said from seeing Mendel in the a realistic context; Gregory Radick has a lot to say on the tops: This is a good place to start https://www.nature.com/articles/533293a