Although John Desmond Bernal was highly instrumental in the pioneering stages of x-ray crystallography and microbiology, he is perhaps most well-known for his philosophical studies of the social aspects of science. Marxist in thinking and communistic in politics, Bernal wrote a classic book on the "science of science" entitled The Social Function of Science. This work reflected the ideas of a large school of intellectuals and scientists influenced by Bernal loosely called the "Invisible College." The basic premise of the book, that science is for everyone and that, used appropriately, could greatly improve the fate of humanity, was opposed by the scientific school of the day. Bernal, noted for his energy and exuberance, was professor of physics at the University of London and became a fellow of the Royal Society at age 36. He held positions on literally hundreds of scientific and political committees, and played a highly influential...