How mechanisms explain interfield cooperation: biological–chemical study of plant growth hormones in Utrecht and Pasadena, 1930–1938

摘要: This article examines to what extent a particular case of cross-disciplinary research in the 1930s was structured by mechanistic reasoning. For this purpose, it identifies interfield theories that allowed biologists and chemists use each other's techniques findings, provided basis for experiments performed identify plant growth hormones learn more about their role mechanism growth. In 1930, Utrecht Pasadena began cooperatively study I will argue these researchers decided join forces because they believed rely on findings methods solve problems adequately. course cooperation, organic arrived at isolating using test method developed physiology. achievement, turn, facilitated biologists' investigation Researchers eventually have means relation between substance's molecular structure its physiological activity. The way conceptualized problem identifying unraveling growth, as well actual actions are compatible with new mechanists' account research. illustrates focusing researchers' reasoning can contribute considerably explaining projects.