Been, M. and T. Cech: "RNA as an RNA Polymerase," Science, vol. 239, 1988, pages 1412-16. The classic "chicken or egg" question of biology—Which came first, DNA or RNA?—is answered in favor of RNA, in work for which the Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to Cech in 1989.

Cairns-Smith, A.G.: "The First Organisms," Scientific American, June 1985, pages 90–101. An interesting article arguing that clay, not primordial soup, provided the fundamental materials from which life arose.

Dawkins, R.: The Blind Watchmaker, W.W. Norton, New York, 1986. Modern evolutionary theory is put into clear and vivid language by this enthusiastic popular paperback writer.

Fox, S. W.: "Synthesis of Life in the Lab? Defining a Protoliving System," Quarterly Review of Biology, vol. 66, June 1991, pages 181-85. Fox discusses his "proteinoid microspheres" and how he feels they may have given rise to the earth’s first proteins.

Gibson, E. K. and others: "The Case for Relic Life on Mars," Scientific American, December 1997, pages 58–65. A meteorite found in Antarctica offers controversial hints of microbial life on Mars. This article reviews the controverisal clams.

Hecht, J.: "In the Beginning Was the Pyrite…," New Scientist, May 21, 1994, page 17. A discussion of the catalytic role minerals may have played in the origin of life.

Horgan, J.: "In the Beginning . . . ," Scientific American, February 1991, pages 116–25. A review of the very active controversy among scientists about how life first emerged on earth.

Joyce, G.: "RNA Evolution and the Origin of Life," Nature, vol. 338, March 1989, pages 217–24. A review of what scientists now think about the role of RNA in early life-forms, in light of new findings from molecular biology.

McKay, D. and others: "Search for Past Life on Mars: Possible Relic Biogenic Activity in Martian Meteorite ALH84001," Science, vol. 273, August 1996, pages 924-30. The original scientific report presenting evidence—but not proof—of ancient life on Mars, The claim has excited scientists, many of whom remain skeptical.

Monastersky, R.: "The Rise of Life on Earth," National Geographic, March 1998, pages 54–81. A comprehensive, beautifully illustrated review of what scientists currently believe about life’s origins on earth.

Radetsky, P.: "How Did Life Start?" Discover, November 1992, pages 74-78. An excellent nontechnical review of the prevailing theories.

Trefil, J.: "Ah, but There May Have Been Life on Mars," Smithsonian, August 1995, pages 70-77. A new space flight will look for signs of past life in the rocks of Mars.