The Making of a Scientist

Introduction to a Prodigy

• At the age of twenty-two, Richard H. Ebright shocked the scientific community by publishing a new theory on how cells work in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science.
• This achievement was historic, as it was the first time the prestigious journal had published the work of college students.

Early Life and Childhood Interests

• Growing up in Reading, Pennsylvania, as an only child, Ebright developed a deep passion for collecting things, including rocks, fossils, coins, and butterflies.
• By the second grade, he had successfully collected all twenty-five species of butterflies found in his hometown.
• His mother played a pivotal role in his development, encouraging his curiosity by providing him with telescopes, microscopes, cameras, and educational trips.

The Turning Point: "The Travels of Monarch X"

• Ebright’s interest in science was solidified when his mother bought him a book titled "The Travels of Monarch X," which detailed the migration of monarch butterflies to Central America.
• The book invited readers to participate in research by tagging butterflies for Dr. Frederick A. Urquhart of the University of Toronto.
• This led Ebright to raise thousands of monarchs in his basement, tracking their life cycle from egg to adult to study their migration patterns.

Evolution Through Science Fairs

• The First Lesson: In the seventh grade, Ebright entered a county science fair and lost. He realized that real science requires actual experiments rather than just making a "neat display."
• Eighth Grade Project: He investigated a viral disease killing monarch caterpillars, winning a prize for demonstrating his experimental process.
• Viceroy Mimicry: He later tested the theory that viceroy butterflies mimic monarchs to avoid being eaten by birds, earning top honors in the zoology division.

Groundbreaking Research on Cells and DNA

• The Gold Spots: Ebright discovered that the twelve gold spots on a monarch pupa were not ornamental but produced a hormone necessary for the butterfly’s development.
• Chemical Structure: Using advanced instruments at the Department of Agriculture’s laboratory, he identified the chemical structure of this hormone.
• The "Blueprint" of Life: While looking at X-ray photos of the hormone, he formulated a theory on how the cell "reads" the DNA in its nucleus.
• He concluded that DNA is the blueprint for life, controlling heredity and determining the form and function of cells.

A Well-Rounded Personality

• Beyond the lab, Ebright was a champion debater, a public speaker, a canoeist, and an expert nature photographer.
• He credits his social studies teacher, Richard A. Weiherer, for opening his mind to new ideas and encouraging his competitive spirit.

Conclusion: The Recipe for Success

• The chapter concludes that the "making of a scientist" requires a combination of a first-rate mind, intense curiosity, and the will to win for the right reasons.