The Meaning of Life: The Scientific and Social Experiences of Everitt and Robert Murray, 1930-1964 is published!
- Hardcover, 944 pages.
- Includes bibliographical references and index.
- No. 69 in the Society's General Series and the 104th volume published since the 1905 founding of the Society.
- Edited by Professor Donald H. Avery and Dr. Mark Eaton.
This volume sheds light on a somewhat neglected aspect of Canadian history -- the role of the medical and scientific communities in this country during the twentieth century. The focus is on the correspondence of two of Canada's most distinguished microbiologists, Everitt G.D. Murray (1890-1964), formerly at McGill University, and his son Robert G. Murray, Professor Emeritus of the University of Western Ontario. Their collective careers span over eighty years in the disciplines of bacteriology (microbiology) and immunology in a time of great development both in Canada and internationally.
Throughout the careers of Everitt and Robert Murray medical researchers have been able to create many new vaccines and antibiotics against a number of infectious diseases. This research 'revolution' in the life sciences was highlighted by the discovery in 1944 of the genetic nature of DNA, the 1955 discovery of its molecular structure, and the attainment in the same time span of techniques for genetic experiments in microbes. These understandings, in turn, fostered the rapid development of molecular genetics and molecular biology, gaining research methods focused on recombinant DNA and genetic engineering. But as the AIDS and SARS crises so graphically demonstrate, the scientific struggle against emerging pathogens remains unrelenting.
While the scientific/medical dimensions of this project are important, the Murray correspondence includes many insights into Canada's political and social history during the period 1930-55. As was the case for many Canadians, the Second World War greatly affected the professional careers and personal life of the Murray family, particularly since Everitt had the onerous responsibility of directing Canada's important biological warfare program, a commitment that continued during the early Cold War. The Murray letters also discuss important debates that occurred at the University of Western Ontario and McGill, as well as broader trends that affected all Canadian universities during the post-war years. In the case of the elder and multi-lingual Murray, he served as McGill's representative on Montreal City Council (1947-55) at a time when French-Canadian nationalism was being shaped by Mayor Camillien Houde, Premier Maurice Duplessis, and social critics such as Pierre Elliot Trudeau and René Lévesque. Finally, the letters provide an ongoing chronicle of the extended Murray family, with its multiple identities. There was, for instance, a South African connection since Everitt was born and raised in Johannesburg, to the third generation of Murrays/Dunnes, who were influential in the medical and economic development of that evolving country.
In addition, there were strong linkages to British medical research since both Murrays were introduced to their kind of science at Cambridge University, and Everitt was a faculty member at this institution prior to joining McGill. After 1930, the major focus of the family's activities became their Montreal residence, and their Laurentian Bark Lake cottage. The collection also provides many fascinating glimpses of the social world of Montreal's Anglo scientific and intellectual communities, detailed accounts of family camping and fishing excursions, and the naturalist writings of Mrs. Freda Murray.
Published December 2008. Check the publications page for ordering information.
Appendices
For extra appendices published only online, download the Appendices PDF here.
