Alice in Taxonomyland: Systematics in mid-twentieth century microbiology

This article recovers some of the key moments and contributors in the convoluted and consequential debates in microbiological taxonomy in the mid-twentieth century. By reconstructing and refining some of the critical transnational debates about the nature of microbiological systematics in a pre-phylogenetic age, it reveals how prominent and influential individuals in mid-twentieth century microbiology were preoccupied with discussion about the merits of different approaches to bacterial taxonomy and nomenclature. Drawing on previously unstudied archival materials, as well as scientific publications and textbooks, it sheds light on how a small but highly active group of microbiologists continued to wrestle with exactly how, or even whether, to classify microbial species. It also examines the parallel development of practical tools to support the vital work of identifying organisms in laboratory settings. These devices were designed to make sense of a vast volume and range of morphological, metabolic, biochemical and serological data. • Uncovers complex debates about the nature of microbes between leading microbiologists in the mid-twentieth century. • Reveals the relationship between increasing amounts of data and devices developed by microbiologists to identify bacteria. • Paves the way for further studies in twentieth century microbial systematics beyond the domains of botany and zoology.