Using the quadrant model for scientific research developed by Donald E. Stokes, and the ideas of the gift and commodity economies, I discuss some important ethical questions raised by the commodification of scientific research. Even in pure research, the possibility of patents and private ownership of information challenges the traditional professional values of science. When the research has applications, as much of chemistry does, the ethical challenges are even greater. Finally, I consider some broader policy issues and introduce the idea (...) of shared fate individualism as a way to analyze the knotty questions that arise. (shrink)