From biological warfare to healthcare : Porton Down 1940-2000 / Peter Hammond and Gradon Carter ; foreword by Jack Melling.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Hammond, Peter M., 1956-

Contributor:

Carter, G. B.

Centre for Applied Microbiology & Research (Great Britain)

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Centre for Applied Microbiology & Research (Great Britain)--History.

Centre for Applied Microbiology & Research (Great Britain).

Chemical & Biological Defence Establishment (Great Britain).

Biological warfare--Research--Great Britain.

Biological warfare.

Chemical warfare--Research--Great Britain.

Chemical warfare.

Bacteriology--Research--Great Britain.

Bacteriology.

Bacteriology--Research.

Chemical warfare--Research.

Biological warfare--Research.

History.

Great Britain.

Physical Description:

xviii, 280 pages, 8 unnumbered pages of plates : illustrations, maps ; 25 cm

Place of Publication:

Houndmills, Basingstoke, Hampshire ; New York : Palgrave, 2002.

Summary:

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.

Contents:

2 Early Beginnings The Biology Department Porton 4

3 Sea Trials / Ben Lomond, Narvik 19

4 Field Trials The mists of war 40

5 The Defence Years: 1951-79 Research under the Ministry of Supply and the Ministry of Defence 56

6 The New Establishment The largest brick-built building in Europe 76

7 Satellite Facilities Manufacturing and support units 93

8 Within These Walls The susceptibility of confined spaces 111

9 The Political Chessboard The end of military ownership 118

10 A Change of Direction The beginning of civil ownership 127

11 Commercial Possibilities From menace to medicine, virulence to vaccine 142

12 The PHLS Years: 1979-94 From healthcare to warfare 157

13 A New Authority Early years of the Microbiological Research Authority 177

14 Men of Influence Scientific advisory boards and directors 188

15 Public Perceptions Through the eyes of the press 211

Appendix The Henderson Memorial Lectures 236.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages 238-269) and index.

ISBN:

0333753836

OCLC:

46937584