Carson, Rachel (1907-1964), was an American marine biologist and science writer. She wrote several books that reflect her lifelong interest in the life of the seas and the seashores.
In her writings, Carson stressed the interrelation of all living things and the dependence of human welfare on natural processes. The Sea Around Us (1951) describes the biology, chemistry, geography, and history of the sea. Silent Spring (1962) called public attention to the wasteful and destructive use of pesticides.
Carson warned that pesticides poison the food supply of animals and kill many birds and fish. She pointed out that pesticides could also contaminate human food supplies. Her arguments helped lead to restrictions on the use of pesticides in many parts of the world.
Rachel Louise Carson was born on May 27, 1907, in Springdale, Pennsylvania. She graduated from the Pennsylvania College for Women in 1929 and received a master’s degree from Johns Hopkins University in 1932. She worked for the United States Fish and Wildlife Service for most of her adult life. She died on April 14, 1964.
