Geneticist. Topics include: childhood and education in Russia; early interest in genetics; experiences during revolutionary and post revolutionary years; training in genetics in Russia; Rockefeller fellowship to work in United States, 1928; California Institute of Technology, 1930-1940; professor of zoology, Columbia University, 1940. Detailed descriptions of work with T.H. Morgan, A.H. Sturtevant, and C.B. Bridges. Problems of artificial selection; racism; Zoology Department, Columbia University, 1940-1962; research in California, Mexico, Brazil; Latin American scientists; travels to New Guinea, Australia, Egypt, India, Indonesia. Impressions of noted scientists.