Awards

• Runner-up for American Book Award 1995
• Runner-up for American Book Award 1995.

Overview

Daniel Kevles traces the study and practice of eugenics--the science of ""improving"" the human species by exploiting theories of heredity--from its inception in the late nineteenth century to its most recent manifestation within the field of genetic engineering. It is rich in narrative, anecdote, attention to human detail, and stories of competition among scientists who have dominated the field.

Full Product Details

Author:   Daniel J. Kevles
Publisher:   Harvard University Press
Imprint:   Harvard University Press
Edition:   New edition
Dimensions:   Width: 14.00cm , Height: 3.00cm , Length: 21.00cm
Weight:   0.544kg
ISBN:  

9780674445574

ISBN 10:   0674445570
Pages:   448
Publication Date:   21 July 1998
Audience:   College/higher education ,  Professional and scholarly ,  Tertiary & Higher Education ,  Professional & Vocational
Format:   Paperback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   Out of stock  
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Table of Contents

Preface, 1995 Preface to the Original Edition I. Francis Galton, Founder of the Faith II. Karl Pearson for Saint Biometrika III. Charles Davenport and the Worship of Great Concepts IV. The Gospel Becomes Popular V. Deterioration and Deficiency VI. Measures of Regeneration VII. Eugenic Enactments VIII. A Coalition of Critics IX. False Biology X. Lionel Penrose and the Colchester Survey XI. A Reform Eugenics XII. Brave New Biology XIII. The Establishment of Human Genetics XIV. Apogee of the English School XV. Blood, Big Science, and Biochemistry XVI. Chromosomes-the Binder's Mistakes XVII. A New Eugenics XVIII. Varieties of Presumptuousness XIX. Songs of Deicide Notes Essay on Sources Acknowledgements Index

Reviews

The historical sweep that [Kevles] brings to bear in this marvellous book should make us ponder over the tenacity of eugenic theories. What does it say about our thought processes and the social structures that foster them? In addition to a gripping text Kevles provides copious notes and an essay on sources. He weaves personal histories into the history of the field so skillfully, blending anecdote, hard science and--albeit in a restricted sense--sociology, all in the correct proportions, all with enviable style and verve, that it is only after putting the book down that you realize you have been instructed while being entertained. -- Vidyanand Nanjundiah Journal of Genetics

Author Information

Daniel Kevles is Stanley Woodward Professor of History and Law at Yale University.

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