ABSTRACT
After recounting the events which led to Fröhlich’s introduction of quantum mechanical concepts into biology, the essential features which distinguish his novel approach are identified and discussed, with particular reference to the macro-quantal nature of the conjectured longitudinal, coherent electric mode of vibration and to the conditions necessary for its excitation and stabilization. The strength of his approach derives from its foundation on quite general, but characteristic, features of biological systems - such as their remarkable dielectric properties and elasticity; for in this way, difficulties connected with the highly complex molecular structure of the systems are circumvented. The appeal of his approach is enhanced not only by the essential role played by the activity of the system, but also by the underlying non-linearity of physical processes invoked to establish and stabilize the coherent excitations; for associated with this non-linearity is a great richness of dynamical behaviour. This is illustrated in the context of Fröhlich’s model for the origin of brain-waves, based on self-sustaining, collective enzymatic reactions - a model which, in turn, affords a novel interpretation of the ultra-sensitivity of the brain to weak external stimuli, including the onset of chaos.
The paper concludes with an Epilogue in which some philosophical difficulties which continue to surround the Mind-Brain interface are considered.
