Shamim Lakha

'what Mad Pursuit': the Quest to Breed Superman: an Exploration into Francis Crick and the Eugenics Movement in Great Britain in the 1960s and 1970s Shamim Lakha

Franics Crick founded the structure of DNA, for which he was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1962. After his death he remains a respected scientist, commended for his brilliant mind. Always a controversial figure, little is known about Crick's fiercely eugenic views, which remain unpublicised. While he rarely voiced his support for the movement openly, Crick harboured strong opinions on the subject. By examining Cricks personal letters and notes, the author aims to expose Crick's views and further explore the mind of one of the most eminent and influential scientists of the last century. The essay aims to place these views in context of the Eugenics movement as a whole during the 1960s and 1970s.