In this book, the biographies and fates of outstanding researchers present the history of Russian science (mostly biology), and through it—the history of Russia from the pre-Soviet and Soviet eras. In the history of Russian science, the dramatic paths of the movement of thought are often intertwined with the tragic fates of researchers. Moral choices, the fates of the heroes, and the crimes of villains fill this history. But the life of science is not determined solely by the clash of heroes and villains. Perhaps, in a paradoxical sense, the true heroes of science are conformists. And among the scientists whose lives are described in this book, there are many outstanding conformists.
It is not necessary to devote essays to every villain. It is not necessary to mention all outstanding conformists. But the heroes—those heroes ought to be named all. No matter how often one notes how irreplaceable the conformists are, it is the heroes who are the first figures in history. Stories from eyewitnesses, documents, new materials, and already known facts create a vivid portrait of people whose lives are an example of moral choice in situations where such a choice seems impossible.
The book is addressed to the broadest circle of readers—everyone interested in the history of domestic science and who is not indifferent to the problems of our country. Historians, scholars of science, and representatives of government bodies responsible for scientific and technical policy will also read it with interest.
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