Hans Zinsser: a tale of two cultures

Yale J Biol Med. 1999 Sep-Oct;72(5):341-7.

Abstract

Hans Zinsser, president of the Society of American Bacteriologists in 1926, was known as much for his literary and textbook writing as for his scientific contributions. He was a widely known scientist and person of letters. His early interests in poetry and other forms of literature were maintained and developed during his career as a microbiologist, and his most enduring legacy is based on his writing about microbiology for a general readership as well as his reflective and philosophical autobiography.

Publication types

  • Biography
  • Historical Article
  • Portrait

MeSH terms

  • History, 20th Century
  • Microbiology / history*
  • Poetry as Topic / history
  • United States

Personal name as subject

  • H Zinsser