Rosalind Franklin

DNA structure X-ray crystallography

Modern influential 52 sayings

Sayings by Rosalind Franklin

The world of science is full of wonders, if only one takes the time to look closely.

c. 1950s — Philosophical observation
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I believe in the power of experimental evidence to resolve scientific disputes.

c. 1950s — Statement on scientific debate
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Science and everyday life cannot and should not be separated.

1940 — In a letter to her father
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I am afraid that the average biologist will not understand it.

1952 — Discussing her X-ray diffraction data on DNA
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

You look at science (or at least talk of it) as some sort of demoralising invention of man, something apart from real life, and which must be cautiously guarded and kept separate from everyday existence. But science and everyday life cannot and should not be separated.

1940 — Letter to her father
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

We wish to discuss a structure for the salt of deoxyribose nucleic acid (D.N.A.).

1951 — Notes for a presentation on DNA
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

It's like a helix, only more complicated.

1952 — Describing her X-ray diffraction images of DNA
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I shall be interested to hear what Bragg has to say about my results.

1952 — Letter about sharing her DNA research with William Lawrence Bragg
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The results suggest a helical structure (which must be very closely packed) containing 2, 3, or 4 co‐axial nucleic acid chains per helical unit.

1953 — Research notes on DNA structure
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I am going to be the blonde in a woodcut.

1953 — Remark about her appearance in group photos
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The term 'helical' is used to describe a structure in which the chains are coiled round a common axis.

1952 — Scientific notes on DNA structure
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I do not like the idea of a woman going into science as a career.

1940s — Surprising comment about women in science
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable