About this Collection

The name of British Nobel laureate Francis Crick (1916-2004) is inextricably tied to the discovery of the double helix of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) in 1953, considered the most significant advance in the understanding of biology since Darwin's theory of evolution. Yet, during a research career spanning more than fifty years, theoretical biologist Crick also made fundamental contributions to structural studies of other important biological molecules through X-ray analysis; to the understanding of protein synthesis; to the deciphering of the genetic code by which hereditary information is stored and transcribed in the cell; and to our conception of consciousness. Through force of personality and intellect, readily apparent in this online selection from his papers, Crick served as a one-man clearinghouse of criticism, ideas, and information for scientists the world over.

The Wellcome Library for the History and Understanding of Medicine in London is the repository for the scientific papers of Francis Crick (collection reference PP/CRI) which range from 1915 to 2002. The collection contains correspondence, lecture notes, photographs, laboratory notebooks, and published and unpublished articles. Individuals or institutions wishing to reproduce or request copies of the documents should contact the Wellcome Trust Medical Photographic Library.

As part of its Profiles in Science project, the National Library of Medicine has made available online, in collaboration with Wellcome Library for the History and Understanding of Medicine in London, a digitized selection of the Francis Crick Papers. This website provides access to the portions of the Francis Crick Papers that are now publicly available. Individuals interested in conducting research using the full collection of Francis Crick Papers should contact the Wellcome Library.

This Profile is designed to introduce you to the various phases of Crick's scientific career and professional life. Narrative sections available from the navigation bar under "The Story" focus on Crick's life and major scientific contributions.