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In a perfect world, science wouldn't be done by human beings, since despite our best efforts, we aren't truly objective about anything. When personality and emotion inevitably get mixed up with science, sparks can fly. The most notorious such conflagration in recent times was The Baltimore Case, a decade-long dispute between supposedly objective scientists that resulted in excruciating trials, sensational headlines, and damaged careers and lives. Historian Daniel Kevles tells the story of the accusations of fraud leveled by Margot O'Toole toward her colleagues, Thereza Imanishi-Kari and Nobel Prize-winner David Baltimore. Kevles first explains the controversial experimental results and the paper published outlining them. O'Toole was unable to reproduce the results of Imanishi-Kari and accused her of falsifying data, also implicating the high-profile Baltimore, coauthor of the original paper. In the following years, all participants in the investigation were subjected to dehumanizing, humiliating scrutiny--including a congressional inquiry not unlike a mini-witch-hunt--and nasty comments gleefully reported by a media eager for a big scientific scandal. Kevles comes down on the side of the self-admittedly sloppy Imanishi-Kari (who was officially exonerated in 1996) and Baltimore, painting O'Toole as a well-motivated but overenthusiastic watchdog manipulated by embarrassingly eager investigators. This book is a valuable lesson in how uneasily humanity and science share the laboratory. Even our best and brightest can be brought low by jealousy, carelessness, and deception. --Therese LittletonBook Description
The most significant clash of science and principle in ourtime-a dramatic witch hunt played out in the scientific arena. DavidBaltimore won the Nobel Prize in Medicine in 1975, at the age ofthirty-seven. A leading researcher and a respected public figure,Baltimore rose steadily through the ranks of the scientific community; in1990, he was named president of the world-renowned RockefellerUniversity. Less than a year and a half later, Baltimore was forced toresign amid public allegations of fraud. Daniel Kevles's penetratinginvestigation of what became known as the Baltimore case reveals ascientific inquisition in which Baltimore and Thereza Imanishi-Kari,former colleagues at MIT, were unjustly accused and vilified in the nameof scientific integrity and the public trust. While never accused ofwrongdoing himself, Baltimore had staunchly defended the work andintegrity of Imanishi-Kari when her findings came under attack frompostdoctoral fellow Margot O'Toole. Backed by fervent fraud-seekers atthe National Institutes of Health, a congressman eager to unearthscientific misconduct, and a media gone out of control, O'Toole'swhistle-blowing played perfectly to a public that did not fullyunderstand the methods of science. Kevles's eloquent and absorbing workvindicates Baltimore and Imanishi-Kari after their decade-long battle.But Kevles also raises critical questions about the way science works andabout the complex discord between the public's right to accountabilityand the scientist's need for autonomy in the laboratory. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Paradise lost
There used to be a time when those occupying certain hallowed positions could do no wrong, and this included academia and business. However, recent events in the business world have confirmed that the top of the pyramid can and does crumble under the weight of wrong doings.An example is the ENRON case.Another, the Huttenback case (UC Santa Barbabra).I am an admirer of scientists who spend days without sleep in the lab trying to get some elusive result or photo, and when they do, or think they do, trivialities such as data records are forgotten.However, reproducibility -- which is the buzz word in many of these cases, needs to be defined.

If I drop my glass of champagne, can it be reproduced?I challenge anyone to reproduce the exact number of fragments and their shapes.However, as engineers know, the statistical parameters can be reasonably ascertained over many experiments.

Now if data is supposed to be forged, this can also be determined using sampling theory.In the Iwanishi Kari-Baltimore case, this test was not applied. I wrote to Nature about it in 1992 but they did not publish my letter.The so called fraudulent data can still be tested ( it was published if I recall in Nature among many heated letters).

Regarding breaking of samples I have also experienced accusations of being unscientific when challenged to reproduce the data.( Method of preparation was not mentioned if I recall).I published a paper on polymethylmethacrylate fracture where I attempted to correlate structure with breaking strengths.Some ignoramuses challenged it and brought in the attorney general of a southern state to try to ruin my career.I republished the paper in another international journal.I later learned that the protagonist of this piece had obtained a NIH grant mentioning some of the earlier results.When informed of the facts, NIH did not take notice of this. Earlier when the "Reproducers" were asked to appear at an inquiry to confront me, they did not do so. They had even asked me to apply for a Dupont grant.

A GOOD SCIENCE WHODUNIT
For me The Baltimore Case was edifying and a pleasure to read. I recommend it highly to anyone like myself who followed desultorily the media's presentation of the proceedings before the Congressional Subcommittee as putting "Science on Trial," but without any grasp of the underlying science.And I agree with the previous reviewers' conclusion that the book is too long although I attribute its length to the author's commitment to thoroughness.

I finished The Baltimore Case feeling I'd learned a lot about viral research in an academic setting, the role of personality conflicts in this research, and the editorial practices of scientific journals like Cell. (Excuse me for not saying more about the political, scientific, and personal disputes that the book so fascinatingly details, but to my mind they are commendably covered in the other reviews.) I especially admired the author's sustained treatment of the central story as a murder mystery with no murderer and everyone the victims, as well as his clear presentation of the underlying scientific facts.Professor Kevles did a very impressive job.

Will the politicans vanquish the scientists?
As an engineer by training and profession, this book really makes my blood boil.It's basically the true story of some scientists at MIT who publish a paper on immunology.A student of one of the professors challenges that some of the data in the paper was faked, and an epic of Phyrric proportions ensues.

In the 10 years that this book covers, scientific careers are ruined, researchers are vilified in the media and in the court of public opinion, and (most troubling of all to me) our elected officials engage in a witch hunt of completely innocent scientists.In particular, Senator John Dingell (Michigan) and his staff are revealed as complete devils; the author has thoroughly documented and footnoted the evidence in the case, so there is really little doubt that Mr. Dingell is as pernicious as he is portrayed in this book.Unfortunately, Mr. Dingell is still a senator to this day and no doubt is still out "to get" the scientists involved.Fortunately for science (and society), history has proven the scientists involved innocent and they have all been restored to preeminent positions in the scientific community.

Be forewarned that this is quite a tomb, weighing in at hundreds of pages of meaty scientific and political reading.At times, I contemplated giving up on it, but as the story unfolded, I wanted to see just how far this tragic comedy would unfold.The subject matter (immunology) is far removed from the layperson and I found myself at times not understanding the concepts fully.Luckily, this book is more about the sociopolitical ramifications of the science, and thus not understanding the science does not detract from the novel.

A clear case of sides...
If ever there was a clear case of people choosing sides based on what they believe a priori, this is it.While some authors (Judy Sarasohm for example) followed this case from both sides, Kevles obviously entered the discussion with a judgement to be excused.The case of Imanishi-Kari v. O' Toole is one that should have be decided in science, by scientists.But the intervention and face-saving by David Baltimore caused this case to linger half a decade beyond it's merit.

This book wends its way through the facts of the case in 512 pages, but prejudges it's view from page 1.Science isn't the question; in the original paper, the Tufts review, the MIT review, the NIH review or the Secret Service investigation.

Rather, the intent is clear from the beginning, politics has no place in science, except when practiced by Nobel laureates.

Read "Science On Trial" as well, to see an honest (but admittedly poor) author explain the entire case, instead of a biased view decrying the proper research.

Science and the Politics of Science
Kevles has written a masterful account of the Baltimore Case (Imanishi-Kari Case might be better). I can only second the glowing reviews already on this page.A few things that might interest the general reader: at the time of this book's publication, Baltimore-bashing was practically a national sport among scientists.Kevles set out to write a balanced account, and he has done so-- it is a good job all around, as Yale recognized when it gave him an endowed chair recently (Caltech's loss, alas!). Information subsequent to its publication only enhances Baltimore's stature. Unfortunately, like the French Dreyfus case that it resembled at times, too many prominent people said toomany harsh things about Baltimore that they cannot retract. Contrary to at least one of the editorial reviewers, it is clear now that Kevles was too hard on Baltimore and company, but so many people attacked Baltimore(Nature's Maddox, Paul Doty, Jim Watson, W.Gilbert, J Darnell, G. Blobel, and a whole nascent federal bureaucracy, inter alia) that these contemporary anti-Dreyfusards will never be refuted. Be that as it may, read this account to get a detailed study of how scientists and government can go wrong, all while trying to do the right thing. ... Read more

Book Description

In his highly acclaimed book, Cities without Suburbs, former Albuquerque mayor David Rusk explained why regions with wealthy suburbs surrounding a poor central city face continuing economic hardship. Now, in Baltimore Unbound, he applies his ideas in an illuminating study of Baltimore's continuing economic stagnation, offering a frank assessment of its causes and possible solutions.

Placing the study in the context of national urban issues, Rusk reviews similar problems and remedial efforts in other cities.

Published by the Abell Foundation.

Customer Reviews (1)

only elastic cities can grow and prosper...
Using Baltimore as an example, David Rusk believes cities and suburbs can only salvage themselves if they create metropolitan regional areas that are able to accommodate growth, deconcentrate poverty, and make central cities more economically competitive. Rusk's premise is that cities must become "elastic" in order to manage growth in tandem with the greater region. It is an attempt to use both fiscal and public policy as a tool to relieve the growing racial and economic disparity between the poor cities and the affluent suburbs. In this book Rusk outlines a strategy to help metropolitan regions become elastic and once again regain their competitive advantage. Recommended. ... Read more

Book Description
Shane Crotty's biography of David Baltimore details the life and work of one of the most brilliant, powerful, and controversial scientists of our time. Although only in his early sixties, Baltimore has made major discoveries in molecular biology, established the prestigious Whitehead Institute at MIT, been president of Rockefeller University, won the Nobel Prize, and been vilified by detractors in one of the most scandalous and protracted investigations of scientific fraud ever. He is now president of Caltech and a leader in the search for an AIDS vaccine. Crotty not only tells the compelling story of this larger-than-life figure, he also treats the reader to a lucid account of the amazing revolution that has occurred in biology during the past forty years.
Basing his narrative on many personal interviews, Crotty recounts the milestones of Baltimore's career: completing his Ph.D. at Rockefeller University in eighteen months, participating in the anti--Vietnam War movement, winning a Nobel Prize at age thirty-seven for the codiscovery of reverse transcriptase, and co-organizing the recombinant DNA/genetic engineering moratorium. Along the way, readers learn what viruses are and what they do, what cancer is and how it happens, the complexities of the AIDS problem, how genetic engineering works, and why making a vaccine is a complicated process. And, as Crotty considers Baltimore's public life, he retells the famous scientific fraud saga and Baltimore's vindication after a decade of character assassination.
Crotty possesses the alchemical skill of converting technical scientific history into entertaining prose as he conveys Baltimore's huge ambitions, intensity, scientific genius, attitude toward science and politics, and Baltimore's own view about what happened in the "Baltimore Affair." Ahead of the Curve shows why with his complex personality, keen involvement in public issues, and wide-ranging interests David Baltimore has not only shaped the face of American science as we know it today, but has also become a presence in our culture. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

A must read for all budding biomedical scientists!
I knew of Baltimore's greatness before reading this book, but this book is more than just a biography. Yes, Crotty does give us a glimpse into the life of one of biology's greatest heroes, but complementarily, Crotty's sanctity is so radiant in this work that you can't help but be inspired. In addition to delivering intellectual nourishment and inspiration, more importantly, the book is written so well that biomedical scientists (like myself)and non-biomedical scientists (like my mother) alike can appreciate the important messages in this work. The story of Baltimore's life is unparalleled, but almost as great is Crotty's presentation of it. This book is a must read for all budding biomedical scientists!

When Baltimore speaks, everyone listens.
I truly enjoyed reading this book on the impressive scientific accomplishments of David Baltimore.I remember being in a relatively informal seminar at MIT when he gave a short introduction to the science that was to be presented that evening.His presence commanded awe and respect---almost always expected from someone with outstanding credentials.

The book is good not just for examining Baltimore's exponential rise to scientific stardom but also for getting a seminal idea on the development of the fields of virology, molecular biology, and immunology.Through his work, Baltimore became a unifying force between these seemingly disparate sciences.The author also writes clearly about the political baggage that comes with having such a high profile in biology.

A Must Read!
The author weaves a wonderful overview of the early history of molecular biology with the achievements of David Baltimore's life. We are given a great deal of insight not only about his groundbreaking research and accomplishments but also personal qualities and passion for life outside of science.

This is a great book for both biologists and those with simply an interest in biology. The scientific information is easy to comprehend without being oversimplified.

Some works of non-fiction can take a long time to read, but I finished this book in 2 days as the story flowed very smoothly. I am definitely looking forward to Shane Crotty's future publications.

Excellent read!
This is a great book!I really enjoyed the story of Baltimore's life, and I feel that I learned a lot of science along the way.I definitely feel more qualified to comment on conversations about biology now!I actually picked up this book because I really enjoy biographies, but it has gotten me interested in other science books for amateurs.I hope Crotty writes more soon! ... Read more

Book Description
This digital document is an article from Sensible Sound, published by Sensible Sound on August 1, 1999. The length of the article is 450 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Beethoven: Violin Concerto; Bernstein: Serenade. Hilary Hahn, violin; David Zinman, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. Sony SK 60584.(Review) (sound recording review)
Author: John Puccio
Publication: Sensible Sound (Magazine/Journal)
Date: August 1, 1999
Publisher: Sensible Sound
Page: 97

Article Type: Sound Recording Review

Distributed by Thomson Gale ... Read more

Book Description
This digital document is an article from Issues in Science and Technology, published by National Academy of Sciences on June 22, 2003. The length of the article is 1084 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Baltimore's travels continued.(Ethics)
Author: David Baltimore
Publication: Issues in Science and Technology (Refereed)
Date: June 22, 2003
Publisher: National Academy of Sciences
Volume: 19Issue: 4Page: 87(2)

Distributed by Thomson Gale ... Read more

Product Description
"D&H steam departed relatively early, making this compilation quite rare. See everything from Camelbacks to Challengers at rest and work in more than 200 photos. All - color 128-page hardcover book." ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Molecular Cell Biology by Harvey Lodish et al , 3rd Edition
The book is especially good to understand the mechanisms of Cell Biology. The beauty of the book is that it does not look at Cell Biology purely from the aspect of a cell and it's organelles but goes a step further to give a clear picture of how cell organelles and their components function in a cell and how it is impossible to study the cell without it's amalgamation with molecular biology. The chapters on DNA replication and RNA transcription are very lucid.Signal transduction is also very comprehensively explored. The book has kept abreast with latest studies and makes it an especially useful text for 1st year Masters/Ph.D students ... Read more

Book Description
This digital document is an article from Issues in Science and Technology, published by National Academy of Sciences on September 22, 1999. The length of the article is 461 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: A strained partnership.(Brief Article)
Author: David Baltimore
Publication: Issues in Science and Technology (Refereed)
Date: September 22, 1999
Publisher: National Academy of Sciences
Volume: 16Issue: 1Page: 10

Article Type: Brief Article

Distributed by Thomson Gale ... Read more

Book Description
This digital document is an article from Daedalus, published by Thomson Gale on September 22, 2005. The length of the article is 4579 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Limiting science: a biologist's perspective.
Author: David Baltimore
Publication: Daedalus (Magazine/Journal)
Date: September 22, 2005
Publisher: Thomson Gale
Volume: 134Issue: 4Page: 7(9)

Distributed by Thomson Gale ... Read more

Book Description
Frontiers of Life addresses fields of biology in terms of their frontiers--that is, the areas that will demand the most work in this new century. Because of their standing, the editors have been able to unite the most prestigious and well-informed authorities to place recent scientific advances into the context of their effects on daily human experiences and expectations. They ask, "What frontiers of the biological sciences will constitute the challenges of the next century?" Their first answer is an understanding of the processes and mechanisms that led to the origin of life. They take this answer as the starting point of the first section of the Encyclopedia. They thus proceed throughout the four volumes.
Separating this Encyclopedia form others is its multidisciplinary approach to the "frontiers" theme. While other encyclopedias strive to describe the past and present states of many subjects, Frontiers of Life offers the insights of world-class scientists into their subjects' growth areas.

Key Features
* Includes Advisory Board with each member a Nobel Laureate
* Written by contributors playing leading roles in their fields of expertise
* Contains almost 3,000 full color tables and figures, illustrating the 205 articles; color running heads and subtitles within each article make reading easy
* Presents biology as an organizing force of life in every article, from the cellular level to the interpersonal ... Read more

Customer Reviews (44)

Better
This is the second copy of this book that I have (the first being the 5th ed.). It seems that the authors cannot settle on a cohesive system in which to arrange the material. Like the 5th ed., I think that the material does not follow a logical course of organization (but admittedly better than the last ed.). Nevertheless, the material presented is of good quality being that it is easy to understand and difficult to become lost in the material. Overall, it is a good book.

Really Fast
The book was delivered the second day after booked on the net, and in a fair price.

great merchant, item came as described
The seller sent my item quickly and it arrived exactly as it was described. Thank!

Operating compatability
A well priced product and from its description ideal for lecture purposes.
Unfortunately it does not work using Windows Media Player, Nero Showtime or Open Source media player on my computer using Windows XP.
Amazon returns system worked well with full refund but I would have liked a version that worked.

review on STUDY GUIDE
after being utterly discusted with this poor excuse of a study guide, i thought i would read some horrible reviews on the guide to make me feel better. to my dismay, people can't read and they only posted reviews for the text book, which is actually good but those reviews should be posted elsewhere.

You know there is something wrong with this guide when you see them call CH3-CH3 methane (pg 3 not to mention they got linoleic and linolenic mixed up) or on the multiple choice on page 19 has ribosomes as one of the right answers for proteins involved in transcription.

i have not done a lot of the questions in the book and all ready i see errors on every second page. i wonder if i will actually recieve lower grades if i study from this poorly written book.

I love study guides and have used them for stewert's calculus, campbell's biology and bruice's organic chemistry in college. were there some occasional mistakes... yes but overall they were good. this study manual however seems to have been written by a tribe of wild monkeys pounding on a keyboard. Save your 23 dollars ... Read more