Regeneration (ePub)

Thomas Hunt Morgan (1866-1945) was an eminent American evolutionary biologist, geneticist, embryologist, and author who made significant contributions to our understanding of genetics and heredity. Born in Lexington, Kentucky, Morgan's notable scientific career was marked by his pioneering work on the role of chromosomes and genes in heredity. His landmark book 'Regeneration' (1901), although not as well-known as his later works, addressed the mechanisms of regrowth in organisms, a topic that mirrored his broad interests in development and evolution. Morgan's seminal research was conducted at Columbia University where he utilized the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, as a model organism, leading to the discovery of sex-linked inheritance and the concept of genetic linkage. His findings earned him the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1933, celebrating his work on the role of chromosomes in heredity. Morgan's literary style combined rigorous scientific analysis with clarity and accessibility, enabling readers from diverse backgrounds to engage with complex biological concepts. He also authored 'The Mechanism of Mendelian Heredity' (1915) and 'The Theory of the Gene' (1926), both of which further solidified his status as a foundational figure in modern genetics. In addition to his research and writing, Morgan contributed to the scientific community through his teaching and influential presence at the California Institute of Technology.