Chapter 9 Summary

After the problems with Sir Lawrence, Francis became interested in a theory of the diffraction of X-rays by helical molecules. These are molecules that in the form of a helix. V. Vand wrote a paper describing his idea for this theory, but Francis saw problems with it. He discussed it with Bill Cochran, another scientist in the lab, who agreed with Francis's ideas. They began working on the theory.

The author describes Francis's home life. Francis lived in an apartment called the "Green Door" with his wife Odile. Though the place was small, Odile decorated it well and also cooked well. The couple was uninterested in politics or religion, preferring Vogue to The Times. Francis was enthusiastic about young women and enjoyed his wife's circle of somewhat artistic friends.

Francis and Bill Cochran simultaneously came up with equations to explain X-ray diffraction by...