Edward Stuart Russell (1887-1954) developed a new approach to biology, from a practical background in fisheries management. Born in Port Glasgow, he went from Glasgow University to a civil service career, rising to become director of fisheries with his time spent between London and Lowestoft. Under his scientific guidance, fisheries science developed and matured, both nationally and internationally. But in addition, in his own time he was researching, lecturing and writing on history, philosophy and biology and developing a radically new picture of biology: that each organism is more than just the sum of its biochemical parts. Robin Bruce, who also shares a background in fisheries and science, believes Russell’s method is timely for today. “By choice and perhaps necessity, we should re-spark his efforts in furthering biological understanding.”