--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: So in 1910 a Danish botanist, Wilhelm…" description: "\"“So in 1910 a Danish botanist, Wilhelm Johannsen, self-consciously invented the word gene.”\" — James Gleick" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/61f/james-gleick-2623_evolution_so-in-1910-a-danish-botanist-wilhelm-joh_2897229.jpg" --- # So in 1910 a Danish botanist, Wilhelm Johannsen… ![“So in 1910 a Danish botanist, Wilhelm Johannsen, self-consciously invented the word gene.” quote by James Gleick](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/61f/james-gleick-2623_evolution_so-in-1910-a-danish-botanist-wilhelm-joh_2897229.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/61f/james-gleick-2623_evolution_so-in-1910-a-danish-botanist-wilhelm-joh_2897229.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/61f/james-gleick-2623_evolution_so-in-1910-a-danish-botanist-wilhelm-joh_2897229.jpg) > ““So in 1910 a Danish botanist, Wilhelm Johannsen, self-consciously invented the word gene.”” [James Gleick](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/james-gleick/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The term “gene” was coined in 1910 by Wilhelm Johannsen, highlighting the conscious creation of scientific language. **In simple terms:** Gene term invented in 1910. Key Takeaway Scientific terms are often deliberately created. Themes history of science language genetics Mood informative historical Type academic educational When to use this quote - education - research - public policy Key Concepts terminology creation scientific communication Questions to Reflect On - Why do scientists name new concepts? - How does terminology shape understanding? A Different Perspective May overlook earlier concepts of heredity. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Evolution](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/evolution/) ## Related quotes > [Society works not because we have consciously invented it, but because it is an ancient product of our evolved predispositions. 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