The Origins and Development of Roger J. Williams' Concept of Biochemical Individuality

Abstract

This thesis reconstructs and discusses the research of Roger J. Williams and the process of development behind his concept of Biochemical Individuality. The fundamental theories on which this conjugate term is based summarise all forms of variation shown by human beings on a fundamental metabolic level and explore the consequences of these deviations for science and society. As a pioneer within the budding scientific field of biochemistry, Williams explored, collected, and analysed the extent to which human beings differ on a (bio)chemical level, while additionally investigating the effect of this individuality on science, politics, and society. <br /> This analysis reconstructs the process of development behind these ideas from inception to conclusion. Chronologically examining all of Williams’ publications and personal documents between the years 1919 and 1956 and discussing these within their historical, political, cultural, and scientific contexts, this analysis investigates the terminology, bibliographical data, and scientific material of these documents in order to illustrate how Williams’ theories and ideas morph over time, while appreciating internal and external influences on this process. <br /> This research has shown that the concept of Biochemical Individuality undergoes a complex process of development throughout Williams’ career, ultimately culminating in the publication of Biochemical Individuality: The Basis for the Genetotrophic Concept in 1956. The analysis of Williams’ publications has shown that this book represents an abridged summary of all previous research, reflecting aspects of all stages of Biochemical Individuality’s development. It is therefore a clear crystallisation point of his research on human variation and is in accordance with the previously available academic literature on the subject. This work has also indicated how his theories progress and develop, expanding on the previously purported depictions of Biochemical Individuality as a finished product by the in-depth discussion and depiction of Williams’ research process alongside the relativisation of the influence of external theories, circumstances, and individuals. Williams’ studies and concepts of individuality largely remain applicable to medical and cultural conceptions of individuality to this day and can provide a historical perspective on central philosophies for current and future generations.