First stages in the x-ray analysis of proteins

The paper describes the many attempts, lasting over nearly a quarter of a century, which finally led to the analysis of the structure of a protein molecule by X rays. At each stage fragments of information about the nature of the molecule were gleaned, which encouraged the continuation of the project, but were very imperfect. There was a widespread belief that the goal was unattainable, at least in the near future, but quite suddenly a way to success was found, and myoglobin was analysed by Kendrew, and haemoglobin by Perutz.