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Georgy Gause’s shift from ecology and evolutionary biology to antibiotics research: reasons, objectives, circumstances

Theory in Biosciences volume 137, pages 79–83 (2018)Cite this article

Abstract

Georgy Gause (1910–1986) is best known for his contribution to ecology and evolutionary theory. His book “The Struggle for Existence” (1934) inspired generations of ecologists. Yet his scientific interests were diverse, embracing many aspects of the life sciences and medicine. The most notable shift in his research took place in the early 1940s when he began to study antibiotics and discovered Gramicidin S. Superficially, this shift looked like an attempt to switch from purely theoretical to applied research during the years of World War II, but Gause’s decision may also have been seriously affected by the “Great Purge” and the growth of Lysenkoism. Personal factors played a significant role in his career too. In this article, we propose four factors which drove Gause to switch his focus from ecology to antibiotics: the inner logic of his scientific research, Stalin’s science policy and the growth of Lysenkoism, the sociopolitical influence of World War II, and personal relationships. We will also show how all these factors are interdependent to some extent.

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Notes

  1. Archive of the American Philosophical Society. Raymond Pearl Papers. Mss. B.P312. Letter from Gause to Pearl, 03.10.1934.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institut für Zoologie und Evolutionsforschung, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Erbertstr. 1, 07743, Jena, Germany

    Nataliia Kodash & Martin Fischer

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  1. Nataliia Kodash
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  2. Martin Fischer
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Correspondence to Nataliia Kodash.

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Kodash, N., Fischer, M. Georgy Gause’s shift from ecology and evolutionary biology to antibiotics research: reasons, objectives, circumstances. Theory Biosci. 137, 79–83 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12064-018-0262-9

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Keywords

  • Struggle for existence
  • Antibiotic Gramicidin S
  • Stalin’s science policy
  • Lysenkoism
  • Asymmetry of protoplasm