From Biological Warfare to Healthcare: Porton Down, 1940-2000

ISBN-13: 9780333753835 / Angielski / Twarda / 2001 / 280 str.

Peter M. Hammond; Gradon Carter; Gradon Carter

Opis

Using primary sources and personal experience, this book traces the origins of microbiology at the government establishments at the Porton Down Centre. Begun in secrecy during World War II, early work concentrated on a response to the threat of biological warfare from Germany. It traces Porton's pioneering work on deadly diseases such as anthrax, through to the Centre's modern role in healthcare. The authors provide an invaluable source of information for scientists and historians alike, particularly for those interested in political and military history.

Recenzje

'From Biological Warfare to Healthcare provides an invaluable, definitive and authoritative account of the history of microbiological science at Porton Down providing insight into the nature of the work and its purpose since it began in 1940 to the present day by two exceptionally well qualified members of Porton with direct experience of over 50 years.' - Dr Graham S. Pearson, Visiting Professor of International Security, University of Bradford

'...a detailed and comprehensive overview.' - Valerie Seefreed, Royal United Services Institute Journal

Spis treści

Introduction Early Beginnings: The Biology Department Porton Sea Trials; Ben Lomand and Narvick Field Trials: The Mists of War The Defence Years, 1951-79: Research under the Ministry of Supply and Ministry of Defence The New Establishment: The Largest Brick-built Building in Europe Satellite Facilities: Manufacturing and Support Units Within these Walls: The Susceptibility of Confined Spaces The Political Chessboard: The End of Military Ownership A Change of Direction: The Beginning of Civil Ownership Commercial Possibilities: From Menace to Medicine, Virulence to Vaccine The PHLS Years, 1979-94: From Healthcare to Warfare A New Authority: Early Years of the Microbiological Research Authority Men of Influence; Scientific Advisory Boards and Directors Public Perceptions; Through the Eyes of the Press Appendix: The Henderson Memorial Lectures Index

O autorze

PETER HAMMOND is currently Head of Information Services at the Centre for Applied Microbiology and Research at Porton Down. He has held various positions in the Centre in protein chemistry, process development and reagent manufacturing, and has published widely in the scientific literature.

GRADON CARTER is a Retired Civil Servant. He joined the Chemical Defence Establishment's Medical Division at Porton in 1979 and from 1984 until his retirement in1990 he was Head of its Technical Intelligence and Information Section. He then became a part-time consultant on historical matters for the CBD sector of DERA. In 1992 HMSO published his Porton Down: 75 Years of Chemical and Biological Research, marking the seventy-fifth anniversary of the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment.