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The 3 seminal papers that together formed the basis of the discovery of DNA structure appeared in the same 1953 issue of Nature (Apr. 25). From the outset, the focus of attention was a bold new DNA double helical structural model proposed by Watson and Crick,1 based on brilliant x-ray crystallographic data provided by the laboratories of Wilkins2 and Franklin.3 In January 2003, Nature published a special supplement,4 "Double helix: 50 years of DNA," highlighting the astonishing impact of this historic breakthrough.
The occasion of this 50-year anniversary prompted me to re-read James Watson's highly personal account5 of the events leading up to the discovery of DNA structure. Setting aside for a moment the spectacular dimensions of the achievement, I am struck once again by the sense of heightened competition that spills out of Watson's sometimes gossipy narrative, coupled with raw ambition, intrigue, calculated networking and zealous...