Carl Djerassi

When Professor Isidore Cantor reveals his latest breakthrough in cancer research, the scientific community is galvanized. Cantor’s most promising research fellow, Dr. Jeremiah Stafford, has only to conduct the experiment that will prove the brilliant hypothesis and win Cantor the Nobel Prize. But how far will the young assistant go to guarantee the results? Carl Djerassi draws from his long career as a world-famous scientist to describe the fierce competition driving scientific super-stars in this gripping and suspenseful novel. “A brilliant tale of the morals and politics of contemporary science. Exciting, moving, and brilliantly written.”—Iris Murdoch “A fly-on-the-lab-wall look at the way big-time science is practiced today.”—The Washington Post Book World

A Novel

Cantor's Dilemma

Carl Djerassi is one of "the fathers of the Pill"--he was awarded the National Medal of Science for the first synthesis of a steroid oral contraceptive--and has had a prolific additional career as a writer of fiction, plays, and dialogues about science. In these two plays, ICSI and Taboos, he dramatizes the social transformations and contested viewpoints created by advances in reproductive science and technology. Two of the most startling developments in contemporary science have radically disrupted the historical connection between sex and reproduction: in vitro fertilization and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)--an assisted reproductive technique that directly injects a single sperm into an egg. The word play ICSI--designed for classroom readings--presents, in the format of a contentious talk-show dialogue, the science of direct-injection fertilization and the ethical issues connected with it. A DVD included in the book provides video of the ICSI injection process as viewed through a microscope, to be used in performances of the ICSI one-act dialogue. Taboos, a full-length play, turns the screws on characters that reflect a polarized America. Two couples--lesbian partners and a conservative husband and wife struggling with infertility--must make choices in a drama that examines the disjunction of sexual reproduction and the physical act of sex.

ICSI and Taboos

Sex in an Age of Technological Reproduction

David Pinner

”What purpose is served by showing that England's greatest natural philosopher is flawed … like other mortals?” asks one of the characters in Newton's Darkness. “We need unsullied heroes!” But what if the hero is sullied? At stake is an issue that is as germane today as it was 300 years ago: a scientist's ethics must not be divorced from scientific accomplishments. There is probably no other scientist of whom so many biographies and other historical analyses have been published than Isaac Newton — all of them in the standard format of documentary prose because of their didactic purpose to transmit historical information. Newton's Darkness, however, illuminates the darker aspects of Newton's persona through two historically grounded plays dealing with two of the bitterest struggles in the history of science. The name of Isaac Newton appears in virtually every survey of the public's choice for the most important persons of the second millennium. Yet the term “darkness” can be applied to much of Newton's personality. Adjectives that have been used to describe facets of his personality include “remote”, “lonely”, “secretive”, “introverted”, “melancholic”, “humorless”, “puritanical”, “cruel”, “vindictive” and, perhaps worst of all, “unforgiving”. The trait most relevant to the present book is Newton's obsessively competitive nature, which was often out of proportion to the warranted facts, as demonstrated in three of Newton's best-known bitter conflicts: with the physicist Robert Hooke, the astronomer royal John Flamsteed, and a German contemporary of almost equal intellectual prowess, Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz — the last fight eventually turning into an England vs Continental Europe competition. It is two of these three relentless drawn-out battles that are illuminated in Newton's Darkness in the form of historically grounded drama. After a summary of the historical evidence, the book starts with the Newton-Hooke struggle (Chapter 2), which was conducted mano a mano, and is then followed by little-known aspects of the Newton-Leibniz confrontation (Chapter 3), which was fought largely through surrogates — notably the infamous, anonymous committee of 11 Fellows of the Royal Society. Contents: Introduction: Flawed GeniusFirst View: Two PrincipalsSecond View: Three Minions Readership: Undergraduate and graduate students interested in history of science and of literature, general readers interested in biographical history, and theatre-goers. Keywords:Isaac Newton;Gottfried Leibniz;Robert Hooke;Competition among Scientists;Historical DramaReviews:“These two dramas brilliantly integrate Newton's battle with Leibniz over who invented the calculus and his tussles with Robert Hooke about just about everything else, by differentiating those scientific and human qualities that made Newton quite the limit.”John D Barrow Professor of Mathematical Sciences, author of “The Constants of Nature: From alpha to omega” Cambridge University “A dramatic insight into the complex mind of a scientific genius. This play-book reveals Newton in all three dimensions.”Baroness Greenfield Director The Royal Institution “The theatricality of science often eludes us — this book captures the boldness, idiosyncrasy and sheer breathtaking drama of Newton's genius.”Lisa Jardine Professor of Renaissance Studies at Queen Mary College, author of “The Curious Life of Robert Hooke: The Man Who Measured London” University of London “All apart from its Thespian aspects, it presents about as thoroughgoing an account of the Newton-Leibniz affair as any I've encountered over the years. Altogether, a fine integration of theater and history.”Robert K Merton Professor Emeritus, and author of “On the Shoulders of Giants” Columbia University “I highly recommend reading ‘Newton's Darkness: Two Dramatic Views’ … There is hardly a better way to promote science literacy than through the mingling of science and art, as accomplished in these plays.” Chemical & Engineering News “… both plays should appeal to students and general readers interested in biography and the history of science and literature … We give Newton's Darkness, two enjoyable, engrossing, and above all, provocative and thought-provoking plays, an enthusiastic two thumbs up.”The Chemical Educator “We found the plays to be enjoyable, engrossing, provocative, and thought-provoking, and we heartily recommend them to students and general readers interested in biography and the history of science and of literature as well as theater-goers.”Angewandte Chemie International Edition

Two Dramatic Views

Newton's Darkness

?What purpose is served by showing that England's greatest natural philosopher is flawed ? like other mortals?? asks one of the characters in Newton's Darkness. ?We need unsullied heroes ? But what if the hero is sullied? At stake is an issue that is as germane today as it was 300 years ago: a scientist's ethics must not be divorced from scientific accomplishments. There is probably no other scientist of whom so many biographies and other historical analyses have been published than Isaac Newton ? all of them in the standard format of documentary prose because of their didactic purpose to transmit historical information. Newton's Darkness, however, illuminates the darker aspects of Newton's persona through two historically grounded plays dealing with two of the bitterest struggles in the history of science.The name of Isaac Newton appears in virtually every survey of the public's choice for the most important persons of the second millennium. Yet the term ?darkness? can be applied to much of Newton's personality. Adjectives that have been used to describe facets of his personality include ?remote?, ?lonely?, ?secretive?, ?introverted?, ?melancholic?, ?humorless?, ?puritanical?, ?cruel?, ?vindictive? and, perhaps worst of all, ?unforgiving?. The trait most relevant to the present book is Newton's obsessively competitive nature, which was often out of proportion to the warranted facts, as demonstrated in three of Newton's best-known bitter conflicts: with the physicist Robert Hooke, the astronomer royal John Flamsteed, and a German contemporary of almost equal intellectual prowess, Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz ? the last fight eventually turning into an England vs Continental Europe competition. It is two of these three relentless drawn-out battles that are illuminated in Newton's Darkness in the form of historically grounded drama.After a summary of the historical evidence, the book starts with the Newton-Hooke struggle (Chapter 2), which was conducted mano a mano, and is then followed by little-known aspects of the Newton-Leibniz confrontation (Chapter 3), which was fought largely through surrogates ? notably the infamous, anonymous committee of 11 Fellows of the Royal Society.

Roald Hoffman

La acción de Oxígeno va y viene entre 1777 y 2001. Este último año es el del Centenario del Premio Nobel, cuando la Fundación Nobel decide otorgar por primera vez la presea "Nobel Retrospectivo" para conmemorar los grandes descubrimientos que precedieron el establecimiento de los premios cien años antes. Una obra de teatro elogiada por científicos y literatos.

Obra en 2 actos

Oxígeno

Carl Djerassi was responsible for the chemical synthesis of the first steroid oral contraceptive: he is widely referred to as the 'father of the Pill'. In This Man's Pill, Djerassi reflects on the impact the invention of the oral contraceptive pill has had on the world, and on Djerassi himself.

Reflections on the 50th Birthday of the Pill

This Man's Pill

One of the most challenging issues of the 21st century is the impending separation of sex (in bed) and reproduction (under the microscope) as a result of recent advances in contraception and assisted reproduction. Many of the ethical and societal issues associated with these new reproductive technologies, notably intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), are raised in an unusual format -- namely in dialogic form -- which is both entertaining and pedagogically informative.

Sex in an Age of Mechanical Reproduction

An Immaculate Misconception

When Professor Isidore Cantor reveals his latest breakthrough in cancer research, his promising research fellow, Dr. Jeremiah Stafford, has only to conduct the experiment and win Cantor the Nobel prize. But how far will Stafford go to guarantee the results? Carl Djerassi draws from his career as a world-famous scientist to describe the fierce competition driving scientific superstars in this gripping novel.

One of the most challenging issues of the 21st century is the impending separation of sex (in bed) and reproduction (under the microscope) as a result of recent advances in contraception and assisted reproduction. Many of the ethical and societal issues associated with these new reproductive technologies, notably intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), are raised in an unusual format — namely in dialogic form — which is both entertaining and pedagogically informative. Contents: Act 1Act 2 Readership: General. Keywords:ICSI;Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection;Human Reproduction;Contraception;In Vitro Fertilization;Biological Clock;Male Infertility;Contraception;Sperm Donor Selection;Pre-Implantation Embryonic ScreeningReviews:“Carl Djerassi's thoughtful new play … a host of intriguing issues about medical ethics, parenthood, and the rights of child … a welcome and successful experiment.”The Times, London “Stunning new play … Wears scholarship lightly, using wit and humor to smuggle in serious scientific ideas.”The Economist “… wry and witty … the play airs some of the ethical and social issues raised by in vitro fertilization … appeals because of unusual plot, well-drawn characters, and the simple but effective touches of modern technology.”Science “… Brings science and theatre together in a way rarely seen … an enjoyable and thought-provoking play.”Chemistry in Britain “The play is fast-paced, entertaining and sprinkled with witty dialogue … fascinating.”New Scientist “An alternative to the usual fluff of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.”The Independent “The triumph of Carl Djerassi's first theatrical work is to present the language of the laboratory in an involving, accessible fashion … Engage your brain and see it.”The List, Edinburgh “Djerassi's writing exhibits wit and warmth… a good, healthy 90-minute drama.”Time Out “Engrossing entertainment … This production of Carl Djerassi's comedy screen drama is pretty much faultless.”Stage “Djerassi has taken one of the most contentious, headline-grabbing and deeply personal issues on the front lines of modern science … to write a play that is both intellectually engaging and personally dramatic.”San Francisco Examiner “The show [invites] an audience to stretch into the strange new territory of reproductive science … it uses dramatic suspense to animate real-world issues of personal and social responsibility.”San Francisco Chronicle “A humdinger of a play … excellent theater which engages its audience with a well written story, well directed, and well acted.”Marin Independent Journal “… unique combination of drama, wit, and science … a fascinating production.”Barre-Montpelier Times Argus

October 15, 1951 marks the birthday of one of the key episodes in 20th century social history: the first synthesis of a steroid oral contraceptive in a small laboratory in Mexico City - an event that triggered the development of the Pill. Carl Djerassi has been honoured worldwide for that accomplishment, which ultimately changed the life of women and the nature of human reproduction in ways that were not foreseeable. On the 50th anniversary of this pivotal event, Djerassi weaves a compelling personal narrative full of self-reflection and occasional humour on the impact this invention has had on the world at large and on him personally. He credits the Pill with radically altering his academic career at Stanford University to become one of the few American chemists writing novels and plays. This Man's Pill presents a forcefully revisionist account of the early history of the Pill, debunking many of the journalistic and romantic accounts of its scientific origin. Djerassi does not shrink from exploring why we have no Pill for men or why Japan only approved the Pill in 1999 (together with Viagra). Emphasizing that development of the Pill occurred during the post-War period of technological euphoria, he believes that it could not be repeated in today's climate. Would the sexual revolution of the 1960s or the impending separation of sex ("in bed") and fertilization ("under the microscope") still have happened? This Man's Pill answers such questions while providing a uniquely authoritative account of a discovery that changed the world.

This book features a CD of rarely performed music, including a specially commissioned rap by Erik Weiner of Walter Benjamin's "Thesis on the Philosophy of History." Theodor W. Adorno was the prototypical German Jewish non-Jew, Walter Benjamin vacillated between German Jew and Jewish German, Gershom Scholem was a committed Zionist, and Arnold Schönberg converted to Protestantism for professional reasons but later returned to Judaism. Carl Djerassi, himself a refugee from Hitler's Austria, dramatizes a dialogue between these four men in which they discuss fraternity, religious identity, and legacy as well as reveal aspects of their lives-notably their relations with their wives-that many have ignored, underemphasized, or misrepresented. The desire for canonization and the process by which it is obtained are the underlying themes of this dialogue, with emphasis on Paul Klee's Angelus Novus (1920), a canonized work that resonated deeply with Benjamin, Adorno, and Scholem (and for which Djerassi and Gabrielle Seethaler present a revisionist and richly illustrated interpretation). Basing his dialogue on extensive archival research and interviews, Djerassi concludes with a daring speculation on the putative contents of Benjamin's famous briefcase, which disappeared upon his suicide.

Benjamin, Adorno, Scholem, Schönberg

Four Jews on Parnassus—a Conversation

In Menachem's Seed, Carl Djerassi, world-renowned scientist and inventor of the birth-control pill, brings us a new novel that explores the human--and passionate--side of science. Melanie Laidlaw and Menachem Dvir meet at a series of international conferences where jet-setting scientists come together to discuss the global implications of their discoveries. Melanie runs a foundation that awards grants for innovations in reproductive technology; Menachem is an infertile nuclear engineer and a married man. Naturally, they fall in love. What follows is a story of sexual steam, stolen seed, and religious conversion--a very modern romance that hinges on a cutting-edge scientific breakthrough. As Melanie and Menachem discover, what science makes possible, only two hearts can make right.

Menachem's Seed

Roald Hoffmann

What motivates a scientist? One key factor is the pressure from the competition to be the first to discover something new. The moral consequences of this are the subject of the play "Oxygen", dealing with the discovery of this all-important element. The focus of the play is on chemical and political revolutions, as well as the Nobel Prize, which will be awarded for the 100th time in 2001. The action takes place in 1777 and 2001; and the play is written for 3 actors and 3 actresses who play a total of 11 characters. The world premiere will take place in early 2001 in San Diego, and the German premiere in September. The world-famous authors Carl Djerassi and Roald Hoffmann are a guarantee of excellence and suspense, both in their role as scientists -- Carl Djerassi is known as the "Father of the Pill" while Roald Hoffmann received the Nobel Prize for chemistry in 1982 - as well as in their role as authors -- Djerassi has written several successful novels, while Hoffmann is renowned for his poetry.

A Play in 2 Acts

Oxygen

Four men -- Four wives -- One angel (by Paul Klee) -- Four Jews -- Benjamin's grip.

A Conversation : Benjamin, Adorno, Scholem, Schönberg

Four Jews on Parnassus

"Science in Fiction" hat Carl Djerassi die Form der Literatur genannt, zu der er 1989 mit Cantors Dilemma seine erste überzeugende Probe gegeben hat: "Denn Djerassi ist ein mitreißender Erzähler", schrieb die FAZ damals, "der es versteht, eine spannende, tempogeladene Geschichte voll witziger Dialoge zu schreiben, die dem Leser auf unterhaltsame Weise Einblicke in die ,Seele der modernen Wissenschaft' erlauben." Nach dem "Nobelpreis-Roman" Cantors Dilemma folgte 1993 Das Bourbaki Gambit, in dem es um das leidenschaftliche Verlangen von Naturwissenschaftlern nach Anerkennung durch ihresgleichen geht und um die Frage, ob Kollegialität und Freundschaft unter Wissenschaftlern denn möglich ist oder Mißgunst und Ehrgeiz, Gier nach Erfolg und finanzieller Nutzen die Szene beherrschen. Seit Jahren sind beide höchst aktuellen Romane vergriffen. Für die Neuausgabe in einem Band hat Carl Djerassi ein zusammenfassendes Vorwort geschrieben und Das Bourbaki Gambit stark überarbeitet.

Zwei Romane aus der Welt der Wissenschaft

Stammesgeheimnisse

This book examines the questions “What can science do for the theatre?” and “What can the theatre do for science?” which raise challenges for both theatre professionals and scientists. Unusually, this book deals with plays first and foremost as reading material — as texts to be read alone or in dramatic readings — rather than emphasizing performances on the stage. Concrete examples are given to demonstrate the potential pedagogic value of using the dialogic style and plot structure of plays in science, with a special focus on chemistry. Very few books have dealt with the subject of science-in-theatre and virtually none with chemistry-in-theatre. Texts of the author's two recent plays, Insufficiency and Phallacy, are included in their entirety to offer concrete examples of plays dealing with actual (rather than invented) chemistry. Insufficiency represents an example from the field of beer and champagne bubbles, where the topics of academic tenure and fashion in chemistry are analyzed, whereas in Phallacy, a case history of the similarities and differences between science and art is presented for debate. Contents:Preface:Plays on the Page Rather than StagePlays Dealing with ChemistryInsufficiency:A Play in 9 ScenesPhallacy:A Play in 27 Scenes Readership: Students and professionals in the fields of science and theatre, as well as people who are interested in these two fields. Keywords:Insufficiency;Phallacy;Theatrical Texts;Science-in-Theatre;Drama in the ClassroomReviews:“First hook the fish and then bring it on board. This book is an excellent hook for arousing interest for chemistry and science by playfully uncovering high complexity behind apparent simplicity.”Jean-Marie Lehn “In these tantalizing plays, Djerassi again delivers compelling science-in-fiction, superbly crafted and bristling with his inimitable verve and zest.”Dudley Hershbach “Djerassi's creativity and passion connect science and the arts. Chemistry, drama, ethics, sociology, humor, and more … artistically conceived, engaging, and enriching to all.”Bassam Z Shakhashiri University of Wisconsin President of the American Chemical Society “The essay is an interesting one and its arguments deserve to be discussed. In this edition, the plays themselves are then presented as examples. This edition is well worth a read for the essay alone.”Lablit.com “Scientists who become literary writers are rare … Djerassi's one-man campaign to change that state of affairs has been energetic, inventive and fruitful.”Chemistry World “The bookset is very enjoyable reading, and offers pleasant plots that lead to unexpected outcomes… I vividly recommend this book to all students of the exact sciences, but also to their supervisors, who can use these fictional characters and research activities to discuss the moral principles that underlie the lifelong job of scientists.”The Journal of Astronomical Data “We are pleased to recommend this book both to chemical educators as well as to persons interested in science in general and chemistry in particular. It should also provide chemistry teachers with an example of a neglected genre, Chemistry in Theatre, and an opportunity to show students how 'fashion in science' may influence academic faculty tenure and how chemical analysis may affect the market value of historical art object.”Journal of Chemical Education “Both are highly entertaining and also informative, with well-developed characters and skillful building of tension. The book makes an excellent, stimulating and often provocative read.”Chemistry & Industry

Insufficiency, Phallacy or Both

Chemistry in Theatre

Professor Cantor's chance at a Nobel Prize hinges on the success of his assistant's equipment, which will prove his brilliant hypothesis on the origins of cancer, in a story of ruthless competition in the science world

Carl Djerassi

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