Overview

Research on abnormal human hemoglobins (protein in blood that carries oxygen), has taught us about the inheritance, biochemistry, and distribution of these traits. This knowledge, coupled with mathematical research using computer models of population genetics, has enabled researchers to marry biological fact and genetic theory. This volume places medical understanding in an evolutionary framework. Using published data on the frequencies of abnormal hemoglobins in the world's populations, Livingston analyzes and interprets these frequencies in the light of world distribution of different forms of diseases such as malaria. He further develops the genetic theory of the evolutionary homeostasis. Livingston discusses the relation of abnormal hemoglobins to endemic malaria and, shows how natural selection pressures explain the known distribution of these traits. Where non-coinciding distributions arise, the book presents other genetic, anthropological, evolutionary, and epidemiological evidence to explain these discrepancies. This classic work remains a useful sourcebook for professors and graduate students of anthropology, genetics, epidemiology, and hematology.

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9780202362649

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Reviews

During the past fifteen years many thousands of human subjects from most parts of the world have been investigated for hemoglobin variants and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD) deficiency. The observations have been widely scattered in medical, genetical and anthropological journals, and reviews have been confined to particular areas or particular problems. Livingstone has performed a useful task in compiling available data on the frequencies of these genes. . . . The text is clearly and fairly written. --Anthony Allison, the Quarterly Review of Biology Professor Livingstone's book is an important compilation, as well as interpretation, of data on abnormal hemoglobins and G6PD deficiency throughout the world and should serve as a source book for testing theories of human population genetics. . . . . Professor Livingstone is to be congratulated on his effort, for such a compilation is vital for the testing of theories in human population genetics. Hopefully, new editions will be printed frequently. --Stephen L. Wiesenfeld, American Anthropologist Livingstone, the principal explicator of Allison's hypothesis that falciparum malaria is the agent that leads to sickle cell (hemoglobin S) polymorphism in human populations, expands the hypothesis to include genes for other abnormal hemoglobins and for glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency. The conclusions he reaches, as he points out himself, are received with at least some reservations by others, including this reviewer. The excellent bibliography of about 800 citations and the enormously difficult talk of compiling the relevant data in 320 pages of tables earns the author our cheers. --John Buettner-Janusch, American Scientist

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Frank. B. Livingstone, Jonathan Marks

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