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This is the first systematic analysis of Baldwin's genetic epistemology and its relation to the contemporary social sciences. It is prepared by ten psychologists, philosophers, and educators--including Piaget, Kholberg, and Campbell--from in-depth conceptual and empirical perspectives. This volume provides a comprehensive account of Baldwin's philosophical psychology, social and cognitive developmentalism, functionalism, symbolic interactionism, idealist aesthetics, and theoretical biology. Moreover, it provides the first bibliography and commentary of his work to appear in print. ... Read more

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This book examines the principles underlying genetic predisposition to cancer in order to familiarise practising oncologists, geneticists and other professionals interested in cancer with this new and expanded field. The coverage is comprehensive, taking the reader from an introduction to genetic predisposition, through a discussion of the molecular biology and statistical techniques involved in the detection and cloning of predisposition genes to a consideration of familial cancer syndromes, encompassing rare and common cancers. The text also includes a discussion of genetic screening and cancer management options, and a consideration of the associated ethical and psychological issues. To reflect the rapid advances in the field since the first edition, the contents have been thoroughly updated with new chapters on the biological basis of cancer predisposition, population-based studies of susceptibility, Von-Hippel-Lindau syndrome and evaluation of management strategies for individuals at increased cancer risk. ... Read more

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This popular introductory survey has been completely revised and updated.There are two new chapters covering genetic engineering and prenatal diagnosis, and the chapters on chromosome abnormalities and on molecular genetics and the hemoglobinopathies have been rewritten. Overall, the new edition synthesizes classical and molecular medical genetics and combines an introduction to the role of genetics in medicine with a deliberate attempt to develop those areas that are the special concern of the practicing clinical geneticist.From reviews of the seventh edition: "Recommended for physicians, medical students, and graduate and undergraduate students, including those with little or no background knowledge of medical genetics....I also recommend the present edition of this classic...for genetic associate training programs, since it presents a broad and accurate approach to medical genetics."--American Journal of Human Genetics ... Read more

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St. George's Hospital Medical School, London, UK. Text provides a current review of cerebrovascular disease. Addresses ischaemic stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage, aneurysms, and arteriovenous malformations. Each condition includes symptoms, diagnosis, and genetics. Discusses a variety of novel strategies for investigating multifactorial stroke. For researchers and practitioners. ... Read more

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An important contribution to the nature-nurture debate, this book discusses the methods that are used to measure the social and genetic aspects of behavior and the results of behavioral experimentation.Beginning with an overview of the history and present state of the literature on inequality, its biological and social origins, and the nature of intelligence testing, the authors also discuss the theory and measurement of genetics, social structure, and IQ scores, and consider possibilities for improvement of scholastic achievement and access to universities. The book also includes an account of a remarkable French experiment in which children of blue-collar origin were adopted into upper-middle-class families, and analyzes the results of this significant study. ... Read more

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What is cloning and why is the idea of it so disturbing? Why has the birth of `Dolly' the sheep provoked such furious debate through the world? In Clones, Genes, and Immortality , John Harris, an internationally renown figure in the field of bioethics, looks at the ethical issues surrounding the revolution in biology which has provided scientists with an unprecedented ability to control human evolution. From designer babies to genetic screening by employers, his book provides a stimulating introduction to the present concerns about the rapid pace of developments in human biotechnology. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

An outstanding discussion of ethical dilemnas provided by new biotechnology
This work focuses on the ethical dilemnas created, and likely to be created by the latest developments in biotechnology. It is written with great knowledge and moral sensitivity. And I sense it to be a first- rate work.
It raises many interesting questions, a great share of which I had never considered. This is especially true in regard to the lengthy discussion around our ethical obligation to pre-natals. Harris considers the present research being done on embryos, the ethical dilemnas connected with that, the whole question of 'origins and terminuses' the question of 'wrong or wrongful life'. He considers the kinds of commercial exploitation which the new biotechnology might lead to. And he discusses one of the major questions which humanity is on the threshhold of facing : The whole question of human enhancement, of'wonderwoman and superman' as he calls it. Here one especially interesting point is his belief that 'enhancement of intelligence' is not in the cards as intelligence involves so many different genetic variables. But he does consider those kinds of 'enhancement' which would eliminate before birth certain diseases, or even tendencys to certain diseases.He too considers the question of how such enhancement might affect the community in general. He makes a long list of advantages and disadvantages for the creation of a new medically invulnerable 'new breed.'
Among the advantages are:
1)"In creating immunities and protections for its members it reduces the 'at risk' population and will inevitably free resources for 'normal humans.'
2)Arange of health costs will be reduced.
3) It will be attractive to employers as illness and absenteeism will be less prevalent.
4) Professions requiring long training will be particularly eager to have such a new breed.
5)The new breed will be less vulnerable to environmental risks.
Among the disadavantages.
1)Among people immune to certain environmental pollutants the interest in eliminating such pollutants will decline.
2) Members of a'new breed' will be perceived by others as being unfairly advantaged.
3)Globally the unfairness would be even greater as the new breed would come from the technologically advantaged nations.
Harris without arrogance and with great insight outlines some of the dilemnas we face.
This is an important book for all those considering the kinds of changes Mankind may be confronting, or may be inducing for itself.
2)

A calm, rational approach
Discussions and debates on the ethics of genetic engineering these days are frequently accompanied by ridicule and vituperation. An objective observer interested in the issues may be revolted by this situation, and with complete justification. Genetic engineering is a powerful technology, and its ramifications for all life on Earth, both human and non-human, entail that everyone, especially those directly involved in its practice, be very aware of the deep moral issues involved in its use. Scare tactics by those against genetic engineering, exaggerated claims by those supporting it, and very bitter verbal and written exchanges have characterized both sides of the debate, and therefore a calm, rational approach is gravely needed.

The author takes such an approach in this book, and this makes it one of the few in print that would be of interest to those readers who want to take a look at the issues without any masks. The author is clearly supportive of genetic engineering, but that is not to say that every reader will finish the book with the same attitude as the author, for the clarity in which he poses his arguments may allow a reader to formulate alternative points of view. There are many interesting discussions in the book, and it will no doubt, if read with an open, scientific mind, serve as a refreshing alternative to current ones on the subject.

Another virtue of the book is that a reader need not be an expert in genetics in order to follow the presentation, for the author defines the necessary terminology. For example, very early in the book he is careful todifferentiate between genetic manipulations of the 'somatic line' and those of the 'germ line', the former limited to cells of individuals and not inherited by their progeny, the latter effecting the genomes of individuals and their offspring. Germ line manipulation has been the main topic of confrontation, although somatic line manipulation has also taken a hit recently, due to some problems that have arisen with gene therapies.

Many possible scenarios and consequences of genetic engineering are overviewed in the book. For example, the author discusses the possibility, which has been done with various animals, of inserting additional genes into human beings, creating then a 'transgenic' human, this being done primarily to enhance various capabilities. The author though is quick to point out that such procedures have not yet been perfected for use in humans and may therefore be dangerously disruptive. Another fascinating possibility discussed in the book is 'parthenogenesis', this being the process in which unfertilzed human eggs can be stimulated to grow without fertilization, giving a near clone of the mother. He also notes though that there is some evidence that parthenogenetically stimulated embryos are not easily implanted.

These two examples are an illustration of the fact that all through the book the author exhibits a keen intellectual honesty about the issues at hand, carefully noting what is possible now and what is not for biotechnology. He is well aware that developments in genetic engineering come very quickly, and one must therefore exhibit diligence of the highest order. He also though presents a strong case for doing genetic engineering, in both humans and non-humans. Its possibilities are awesome for the quality of all life on the entire planet.

The technology of genetic engineering should be of concern to everyone alive today, and after studying this book, readers will gain much insight into its ramifications and its ethical foundations. More extensive research and testing will no doubt prove the viability of genetic engineering in most cases of interest. Those techniques proved unsafe or not viable should be abandoned without hesitation, but those showing promise should be used or applied immediately, with no guilt or hesitation. The new species of animals and plants, the new disease cures, and the ability to select the genetic makeup of offspring and even to eventually bring about transgenic humans, are some of the most exciting possibilities to contemplate for genetic engineering.

Shortly after the advent of flight, its critics stated that "if humans were meant to fly they would have had wings".

But (some) humans will eventually have wings....and they will fly.

The "Abomination and Desolation" is here; flee to the hills!
Oh boy. If you want confirmation of the apocalyptic cul-de-sac of secular humanism, read this book. A Brave New World, indeed! Writing as a senior member of numerous governmental and academic bodies that will ultimatelydecide upon the applications and limitations of genetic technologies, JohnHarris turns our moral code upside down. Among other sickening things headvocates are the genetic screening for disabilities in fetuses andsubsequent abortions thereof, as well as the deliberate cultivation offetuses as organ banks in adult humans. He lambastes a critic, JeremyRifkin, who is against the genetic crossings of humans and animals byclaiming that the latter holds a "mystical" belief in thenecessity of the separation of various species. What is more, he discountsthe possibilities of authoritarian societies or leaders using cloningtechnologies for malicious ends. Yikes. Even though I am not myself areligious person, this kind of stuff looks like the "abomination andthe desolation" to me; its almost enough to send me running for thehills. ... Read more

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Recent advances in the technology and techniques of genetic manipulation have caused an unprecedented expansion of possibilities for improvement in the breeding and development of livestock.This volume provides an up-to-date summary of work being done in this field, indicating how new discoveries can be integrated with established methods of breeding to create commercially competitive lines. It also considers future possibilities in research and development, and encourages researchers and graduate students in animal breeding, livestock improvement, molecular genetics, and reproductive physiology to consider new research methods. ... Read more

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In the last few years, dramatic advances in molecular biology have made it possible to analyze human genes directly, providing new insights into human molecular pathology and leading to techniques used for such procedures as the prenatal diagnosis of genetic disorders.Written for nonspecialists by an internationally-known expert, this unique book provides a clear introduction to the new genetics and an in-depth consideration of the impact this technology may have on the future practice of medicine. Weatherall describes recombinant DNA techniques and outlines how they are used to analyze genes; reviews what is known about the molecular pathology of human genetic diseases and about acquired disorders like cancer; and assesses how these methods might be used for preventive genetics and gene therapy.For this new edition, many of the illustrations have been redrawn and revised, and new figures added to clarify the discussion.The book will continue to be a valuable resource for doctors, nurses, and counsellors who need to understand the new molecular tools available to them. ... Read more

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In October 1997, an expert meeting discussed the use in carcinogen evaluation of emerging short- and medium-term carcinogenicity tests, including transgenic and knock-out mouse models, and results from the use of multistage cancer models. The significance of specific gene alterations found in human and rodent tumours were considered, as well as the significance of genetic and related properties of chemical agents. This IARC Scientific Publication is a sister volume to the IARC Monographs and includes a consensus document setting out the weight that data derived from such tests should be given when making evaluation of carcinogenic risks to humans. ... Read more

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Genetic counselling is widely accepted as an integral part of the management of every patient with an inherited disorder. This book describes in detail how risks can be estimated or calculated for most counselling situations, using nothing more complex than a knowledge of the simple laws of probability and a pocket calculator. All patterns of inheritance are considered. Particular attention is paid to the segregation of balanced chromosome rearrangements and risk calculation in single gene inheritance taking into account factors such as reduced penetrance, late age of onset, consanguinity and the extended family. The use of linked markers -- an area of rapidly increasing importance in carrier detection and prenatal diagnosis -- is also covered at length. The text has been written in a straightforward, "user-friendly" style with liberal use of worked examples and will be of benefit to everyone involved in the provision and delivery of genetic counselling services. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

The best!
Is difficult to find such a practical book in this field. I think that thisbook is the best and the only one that can fulfill the clinician and geneticist calculation requirements regarding genetic counseling. It has also a lot of worked examples. Congratulations to the author!

Excellent
If to a Genetic Counselor the grammar of medical genetics i.e. risk factor calculation and implication of its outcome means everything then this book belongs to the best group of books. Being a student aspiring to be agenetic counselor, I found this book very informative and useful.Written ina simple way,the complex mathematical calculations have been described withthe help ofmany easy to understand examples. Allchapters bear the"key points" whichdivides the chapter into groups withoutbreaking the continuity.After reading this book an immense idea ofStatistical Genetics is bound to emerge in the mind of both students andprofessionals which will give confidence in the clinic. With best wishes to Ian D.Young for this precise & complete attempt in compiling a goodreference book for the genetic counselors. ... Read more

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Reflecting the expansion of research in molecular and clinical genetics, and immunogenetics, this dictionary now contains over 6000 definitions, nearly a third of which have been added since the Second Edition.Many of the terms are of recent coinage, especially those from molecular genetics, and other terms, such as those used in quantitative genetics or mutational studies, are from related disciplines. Indeed, this is the only dictionary of genetics to incorporate terms from chemistry, physics, statistics, biochemistry, and medicine that are commonly encountered in the genetic literature. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Fantastic! Just what I was looking for!
I am so glad I bought this book!I am a grad student whose preliminary exams are coming up and this book helps so much!For anyone who has come across a protocol or a term in a paper and has no idea what it means and has then tried to look it up, only to find the same unexplained protocol in other papers - THIS BOOK IS FOR YOU!Easier than searching through papers and more trustworthy than Wikipedia - this book is worth it!

A Dictionary of Genetics
My opinion can be expressed by a single word: "Frustrating"
As a Scientist who does not work within the field of Genetics, most of the terms I have hoped to find in the dictionary, surprisingly, are not defined!! As a single example, "two-hybrid analysis" is not included, in spite of being one of the most frequently used techniques within genetic analysis.

Probably, the Dictionary is addressed to readers outside from science.

a must for the biological graduate studentia
As a graduate student studying biochemistry/molecular biology, this book (on the PI's shelf) was a frequent read.Not only does it explain "old-school" genetic experiments with aplomb, it provides clear and concise examples.A fine reference for reviewing papers, and a must have for any PI (if only for your students to use as a reference!) ... Read more

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This book summarizes recent advances in the morphology and genetics of tumors of the human nervous system. This new initiative reflects the fact that increasingly, human neoplasms are no longer classified on the basis of histological and immunohistochemical criteria alone; rather, for an increasing number of neoplasms, genetic typing has become essential.
More than 50 expert neuropathologists and geneticists have contributed articles to this volume. These were reviewed at a consensus and editorial meeting in Lyon in May 1997. The book is lavishly illustrated, with around 100 pages of color plates and charts. It also includes a comprehensive reference list. ... Read more

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A great book...but a new one just came out
Any pathologists knows how great the WHO books are...I just wanted to inform prospective buyers that a new edition was just published and is available on the WHO website.

Complete description of nervous system tumors
This book covers the pathology and genetics of nervous system tumors in a very clear and organized manner. It is a good reference book both for understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying tumorigenesis of different NS neoplasms as well as having a concise description of grading, name synonyms, histopathology and clinical signs. Recommended ... Read more

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There are many books about genetics, but none have addressed the specific primary care aspects of genetics.This book addresses these and covers all the issues relevant to primary care.There is a user-friendly description of molecular biology terms and techniques which many GPs have no experience of, but which is increasingly relevant in the consulting room.Other aspects particularly relevant to primary care are covered, such as the skills needed by primary care workers to undertake genetic consultations together with discussions of models of care that will be helpful.The book covers in detail topics such as genetic mechanisms, ethics and the genetic tests available. ... Read more