What is the origin of life? Molecular biology shows us one kind,
but in thinking about it we must consider those generalised aspects of living
organisation that are common to all conceivable forms of life. The author believes
that only a combination of general biological theory and particular chemical
knowledge can solve the problems of the origin and re-creation of life. This book
does not fall into either the classical Haldane or Oparin schools of thought on the
origin of life, but advances a thesis of its own, which, according to Professor C.H.
Waddington, is one of the most important recent intellectual developments in this
field.
Part I considers the role of molecular biology in formulating a view of
life as it exists now. Part II turns to more general aspects of the organisation of
matter. In Part III the author advances his own theories on the origin of
life—theories which are both revolutionary and reactionary. As he remarks,
'If my conclusions are correct it may be difficult to find the right system, but
it would be easy to make a very simple organism once we have.'
