100 years of virology: from vitalism via molecular biology to genetic engineering.
The identification of the causative agent of tobacco mosaic disease as a novel pathogen by the Dutch microbiologist Beijerinck is now acknowledged as being the foundation of virology as a discipline distinct from bacteriology. However, as this was contrary to the prevailing theories of the time, it took many years for virology to become firmly established as a separate discipline. The history of virology illustrates how accepted concepts in science evolve by trial and error and the need for a balanced approach when manipulating natural systems.
Bos
L
L
Research Institute for Plant Protection (IPO, Wageningen University and Research Centre), PO Box 9060, 6700 GW Wageningen, The Netherlands. lbos.jzn@wxs.nl
D005818:Genetic Engineering / Q000266:history; D049672:History, 19th Century; D049673:History, 20th Century; D006801:Humans; D008967:Molecular Biology / Q000266:history; D014773:Virology / Q000266:history*; D014777:Virus Diseases / Q000266:history* / Q000821:virology; D014799:Vitalism / Q000266:history