The Uses of Life
A History of Biotechnology

This first history of biotechnology provides a readable and challenging account that will be of interest to anyone interested in this key component of modern industry.

Robert Bud (Author), Mark F. Cantley (Foreword by)

9780521476997, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 27 May 1994

320 pages, 22 b/w illus. 1 table
22.9 x 15.2 x 1.8 cm, 0.47 kg

'… well produced, satisfying and enjoyable to read.' Journal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology

This book shows, for the first time, how modern biotechnology grew out of this century's hopes for a new relationship between biology and engineering. Long before recombinant DNA, these promised a new kind of technology. By exploring the rich and surprisingly overlooked complex of prophesies, industrial and scientific development and government programs, the book sheds new light on the expectations now held for biotechnology. A world-wide view, covering developments, not just in America but also in Europe and Japan, uncovers surprising links. This makes possible a coherent story to supersede the historical notes which have been available until now. This first history of biotechnology provides a readable and challenging account that will appeal to anyone interested in the development of this key component of modern industry.

List of illustrations
Foreword M. F. Cantley (Head of Concentration Unit for Biotechnology in Europe (CUBE) Directorate General for Science, Research and Development Commission of the European Communities)
Acknowledgements
Introduction
1. The origins of zymotechnology
2. From zymotechnology to biotechnology
3. The engineering of nature
4. Institutional reality
5. The chemical engineering front
6. Biotechnology - the green technology
7. From professional to policy category
8. The wedding with genetics
9. The 1980s: between life and commerce
Epilogue
Notes
Sources
Index.

Subject Areas: Biotechnology [TCB], History of science [PDX]