  We discuss a less known aspect of Feynman's multifaceted scientific work,
centered about his interest in molecular biology, which came out around 1959
and lasted for several years. After a quick historical reconstruction about the
birth of molecular biology, we focus on Feynman's work on genetics with Robert
S. Edgar in the laboratory of Max Delbruck, which was later quoted by Francis
Crick and others in relevant papers, as well as in Feynman's lectures given at
the Hughes Aircraft Company on biology, organic chemistry and microbiology,
whose notes taken by the attendee John Neer are available. An intriguing
perspective comes out about one of the most interesting scientists of the XX
century.
