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Lysenko’s Ghost Epigenetics and Russia
Loren Graham
Harvard University Press, First edition, 2016
ISBN: 9780674089051 |
This is not a biography of Trofim Lysenko, but rather, a brief analysis of his ideology and influence in Russian science, politics and society starting in the early 20th century (when he conducted his research) and extending into the present day. Moreover, this examination occurs in the context of the more modern field of epigenetics, and how it has revived interest in Lysenko in some Russian circles. Readers might be aware that Lysenko’s fame stems mostly from espousing the idea that the environment, rather than genetics, controlled inheritance. Loren Graham, an expert in the field, ultimately argues that Lysenko was not truly Lamarkian, but that rather, had his own unique view of the inheritance of acquired characteristics, and which was ultimately wrong, even in the backdrop of epigenetics. Indeed, Graham states that “where [Lysenko] was right, he was not original; where he was original, he was not right…” and further argues that our modern conception of Lysenko springs from the “victory of usage over accuracy”, in other words, from having heard pervasive myths for so long.
Here readers will find a concise and nuanced study of Lysenko as a person and scientist, which is both refreshing and appreciated. Furthermore, we get a glimpse of the Russian perspective on Lysenko’s influence, which serves to remind us how science and politics are often, if not always, inexorably intertwined. Although I recommend reading this book, I strongly suggest that readers first become familiarized with Lysenko’s life and work, and gain some background knowledge in epigenetics. Otherwise, I don’t think they will be able to fully distill the essence of this book.
