"[Delbrück's] training in physics is good and he attacks biological problems in a sensible way. He understands their nature, whereas Dr. Wrinch does not."

Linus Pauling. Letter to Warren Weaver. February 23, 1938.

"You know our plans for the future development of physical and chemical biology at the Institute. We need you as a key member of a team that will further elaborate them as well as carry them out."

George Beadle. Letter to Max Delbrück. December 19, 1946.

"Time has shown that, so far, Pauling was right and Delbrück was wrong, as indeed Delbrück acknowledged in his book, Mind into Matter. Everything we know about molecular biology appears to be explainable in a standard chemical way."

Francis Crick. What Mad Pursuit: A Personal View of Scientific Discovery (New York: Basic Books). 1988.