Henderson’s Equation

A systems theory advocate, Lawrence Henderson’s studies and writings gave rise to the concepts of dynamic equilibrium and to the Gaia hypothesis, which views the earth as a vast organism. As his assistant, Aaron is witness to Henderson’s development of these theories. Away from New York’s Lower East Side for the first time, Aaron is forced to confront the differences between his own world, with its strong family ties and deep roots in Eastern European scholarship, and the world of Dr. Henderson, a leader of the Harvard establishment and one of the Boston Brahmins. The story is set against the background of the powerful social and intellectual forces of the time: World War I, the rise of fascism, the Sacco-Vanzetti trial, and the growing anti-Semitism at Harvard and elsewhere.