Max Ferdinand Perutz OM CH CBE 19 May 1914 - 6 February 2002.

Scientists will remember Max Perutz for his outstanding analysis of the molecular structure, properties and allosteric mechanism of haemoglobin, but his wonderful clarity and simplicity in writing on the widest range of topics has made him famous far beyond the haemoglobin fraternity. He left many autobiographical essays on different events in his life, and his writings are quoted frequently in this memoir. Indeed, to a large extent, it is written by Max Perutz himself!