Читать книгу Principles of Virology - Jane Flint, S. Jane Flint - Страница 18

“There is an intrinsic simplicity of nature and the ultimate contribution of science resides in the discovery of unifying and simplifying generalizations, rather than in the description of isolated situations—in the visualization of simple, overall patterns rather than in the analysis of patchworks.” More than half a century has passed since Salvador Luria wrote this credo in the introduction to the classic textbook General Virology.

Despite an explosion of information in biology since Luria wrote these words, his vision of unity in diversity is as relevant now as it was then. That such unifying principles exist may not be obvious considering the bewildering array of viruses, genes, and proteins recognized in modern virology. Indeed, new viruses are being described regularly, and viral diseases such as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), hepatitis, and influenza continue to challenge our efforts to control them. Yet Luria’s credo still stands: even as our knowledge of viruses continues to increase, it is clear that their reproduction and survival depend on similar pathways. This insight has been hard-won over many years of observation, research, and debate; the history of virology is rich and instructive.