Delbruck's publications in biology

Abstract

Max Delbruck (1906–1981) was a German theoretical physicist who, stimulated by the speculations of Niels Bohr on the nature of life, developed an abiding interest in biology. After moving to the United States in 1937 he went on to become one of the most influential biologists of his time. The aim of this article is to survey a set of Delbruck's publications in biology. Most of them fall in the area of molecular biology, the field that he was instrumental in founding. The selection is subjective but not unrepresentative. Matters of related interest are highlighted in the boxes; these include a few items of historical and biographical information and can be read independently. The article ends with an overview.