British biologist and author, who achieved renown both as a scientist and for
his ability to make scientific concepts clear to the public through his
writings.
The grandson of the zoologist Thomas Henry Huxley and
brother of the writer Aldous Leonard Huxley, Julian Huxley was born in London
and was educated at Balliol College, University of Oxford. As an educator, he
was associated with a long list of scientific and academic institutions and
societies. In 1947 and 1948 he served as the first director-general of the
United National Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
Huxley was knighted in 1958.
Huxley was one of the most highly
visible scientists of the mid-20th century, popular as a radio and television
panelist and as a lecturer. Like his grandfather, he was particularly
interested in concepts of evolution and growth, dealing with them in the light
of the philosophic problems generated by contemporary scientific developments.
In his Religion Without Revelation (1927; revised edition 1957), he
suggested that human could find an outlet for their religious zeal in
contemplation of their own destiny, rather than in theistic creeds. In Evolution:
The Modern Synthesis (1942), Huxley made important connections between
evolution and genetics. His other writings include Essays of a Biologist
(1923), Touchstone for Ethics ( 1947), New Bottles for New Wine
(1958), From an Antique Land (1966), The Courtship Habits of the
Great Grebe (1968), and Memories (1970).
__________
_____. "Sir Julian Huxley." Microsoft
Encarta 97 Encyclopedia, (Microsoft Corporation,
1996).
