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.
"In Davenport's Dream, editors Witkowski and Inglis (both, 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
"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 decision by Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press to reissue Davenport's classic, but highly problematic, book is a bold one....it forms a valuable contribution to the existing literature on genetics and eugenics."
Metascience
"Th[is] volume, edited by two current members of Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Jan Witkowski and John Inglis, is important: well worth reading and well worth having for classroom instruction at any level from high school through graduate school, divinity school, medical school, or law school...because of the essays, I am pleased to recommend the volume to the broadest possible audience.
Science
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
"In Davenport's Dream, editors Witkowski and Inglis (both, 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
"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 decision by Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press to reissue Davenport's classic, but highly problematic, book is a bold one....it forms a valuable contribution to the existing literature on genetics and eugenics."
Metascience
"Th[is] volume, edited by two current members of Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Jan Witkowski and John Inglis, is important: well worth reading and well worth having for classroom instruction at any level from high school through graduate school, divinity school, medical school, or law school...because of the essays, I am pleased to recommend the volume to the broadest possible audience.
Science
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
