The Journal of Heredity 1983:74(4):297-299
© 1983 The American Genetic Association 74:297-299
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Possible influences of some 19th century chemical concepts on Mendel's ideas about heredity
Department of Natural Science Michigan State University, East Lansing, M1 48824
Abstract
Mendel's classic studies on plant hybridization depart in significant ways from other contemporary studies in this area both in method and in interpretation. Previous examinations of Mendel's work have usually focused on his application of statistical methods. Some have noted his novel application of a physical type of experimental design to a biological experiment and the clarity of his understanding of its requirements. A few researchers have called attention to the implied particulate theory mnderlying Mendel's paper. In this paper, we propose that while Mendel's knowledge of physics and mathematics certainly played a very significant role in his research, his knowledge of chemistry also may have been important. We propose that his concept of the unit factor or hereditary element and its use as an explanatory device in formulating his particulate theory of heredity derives by analogy from his knowledge of the chemistry of his day. We show, in some detail, what the analogies might have been. And finally, we note that Mendel's replacement of a fluid-blending theory of inheritance with a particulate theory falls into place in a long series of such replacements in the fields of physics and chemistry over a period from the 1780's to the 1860's.