Davenport's Dream: 21st Century Reflections on Heredity and Eugenics [Hardcover]

Jan A. Witkowski (Editor), John R. Inglis (Editor)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0879697563 | ISBN-13: 978-0879697563 | Publication Date: August 30, 2005 | Edition: 1

In 1911, the influential geneticist Charles Davenport published Heredity in Relation to Eugenics, advancing his ideas of how genetics would improve society in the 20th century. It became a college textbook and a foundation for the widespread eugenics movement in the United States. Nearly 100 years later, many of the issues raised by Davenport are again being debated, in different guises. In this new volume, prominent academics discuss themes from Davenport s book human genetic variation, mental illness, nature vs. nurture, human evolution in a contemporary context. Davenport s original book is reprinted along with the essays. This book will be useful to historians of science as well as those interested in the social implications of human genetics research past, present, and future.

Editorial Reviews

Review

In Davenport s Dream, editors Witkowski and Inglis (both from Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory) have compiled contributions from twelve scholars who analyze current research pertaining to some of Davenport s theories. Is there any indication that some forms of mental illness follow a true Mendelian inheritance pattern? How does mitochondrial DNA contribute to eugenics? A facsimile of Davenport s original work is included. This book would be valuable as a basis for discussions in bioethics or social policy courses. Choice --Choice

The reappearance of this facsimile volume and accompanying commentary makes an important resource for understanding eugenic thought readily available for historians, scientists, and a newly curious public. The Quarterly Review of Biology --The Quarterly Review of Biology

The title of this stimulating collection of well written essays, Davenport s Dream , relates to his no doubt well intended aspiration that advances in genetics should be directed and applied to improve human existence. Sadly his contribution was almost certainly counter-productive and, as other authors in this text point out even if ethically acceptable, it is difficult to see how eugenics could be applied successfully given the genetic complexity underlying most common human diseases and characteristics. Indeed genetic diversity is widely perceived as desirable if not essential for the future progress and survival of the species, so that any attempt to discriminate against a particular genotype could have adverse consequences in the future. Perhaps the main message of this book is that we should all learn from Davenport s mistakes and remember that the welfare of the individual should never be sacrificed for a greater vision of spurious societal benefit. Otherwise we run the risk of seeing Davenport s dream evolve into another nightmare. Human Genetics --Human Genetics

Product Details

• Hardcover: 528 pages
• Publisher: Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press; 1 edition (August 30, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0879697563
• ISBN-13: 978-0879697563
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 6.2 x 1.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,230,133 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)