Where do we come from? Is our destiny determined by the genes we inherit? Do we all see the same blue color when we look at the sky? In A Matter of Wonder Gottfried (Jeff) Schatz, gives lucid – albeit often surprising – answers to universal questions and takes the reader on a fascinating journey of discovery across the boundaries of scientific disciplines. With passion and a keen sense of wonder, he draws on philosophy, cultural history and art to formulate his reflections on the mystery of life. The key to understanding life is to be found in its chemistry, and he proves that this is no dry endeavor and certainly not devoid of beauty. The result is a collection of eloquently and poetically written essays dealing with key issues in the natural sciences. It will appeal not only to scientists, but to all curious minds, regardless of educational and professional background.
- Foreword
- Strangers within Me
- Ominous Visitors
- Punishing Protectors
- The Little Brother
- The Voice of Silence
- Clocks of Life
- My World
- Children of the Sun
- Mysterious Senses
- Fateful Colors
- Portrait of a Protein
- Traces
- Stardust
- Creative Craters
- Master Chemist from the Dawn of Life
- Reflections on Myself
- The Twilight of Iron
- Beyond Genes
- The Foundation of Things
- Voices of the Night
- Acknowledgements
- About the Author
- About the Translator
- Index
Gottfried Schatz is a world-renowned biochemist and co-discoverer of mitochondrial DNA.