The Double Helix

Stopping off in Geneva, Watson is excited to hear rumours that Pauling, at Cal Tech, has partly solved the structures of proteins. He gets the information from a scientist in Geneva who attended the lecture where Pauling announced his discovery.

The lecture, we’re told, was full of “dramatic flair” (25), with Pauling revealing the model of his revolutionary a-helix with showbiz panache. Watson immediately starts thinking about whether Pauling’s model and approach can be applied to DNA.

Back in Copenhagen he reads Pauling’s published article, admires his style, and fancifully imagines emulating it. What he’s seen from Wilkins and Pauling lead Watson to seek out somewhere where he can study x-ray diffraction. Knowing vaguely about the work being done at the Cavendish, he makes enquiries through Luria. As luck has it Luria knows John Kendrew, who works in the lab, and is able to get Watson a provisional place.

His fellowship in Copenhagen almost over, Watson puts off writing the letter to his home university to explain his new direction until his place at Cambridge is secure.

Meanwhile, he continues experiments and attends an International Phage Conference, which is thoroughly enjoyable owing to the night-life and free champagne.