The Cold War politics of genetic research : an introduction to the Lysenko affair / William deJong-Lambert.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

DeJong-Lambert, William.

Series:

Archimedes (Dordrecht, Netherlands) ; v. 24.

Archimedes : new studies in the history and philosophy of science and technology, 1385-0180 ; v. 24

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Lysenko, Trofim, 1898-1976.

Lysenko, Trofim.

Genetics--Research.

Genetics.

Science and state.

World politics--1945-1989.

World politics.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (xxii, 185 pages)

Edition:

First edition 2012.

Place of Publication:

Dordrecht, The Netherlands : Springer, 2012.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

This book uses the reaction of a number of biologists in the United States and Great Britain to provide an overview of one of the most important controversies in Twentieth Century biology, the “Lysenko Affair.” The book is written for advanced undergraduate and graduate students of history/history of science. It covers a number of topics which are relevant to understanding the sources and dimensions of the Lysenko controversy, including the interwar eugenics movement, the Scopes Trial, the popularity of Lamarckism as a theory of heredity prior to the synthesis of genetics and Natural Selection, and the Cold War. The book focuses particularly on portrayals—both positive and negative—of Lysenko in the popular press in the U.S. and Europe, and thus by extension the relationship between scientists and society. Because the Lysenko controversy attracted a high level of interest among the lay community, it constitutes a useful historical example to consider in context with current topics that have received a similar level of attention, such as Intelligent Design or Climate Change.

Contents:

Timeline of Events

Introduction

1: Mendelist-Morganists and Michurinism

2: Between Corld War and Cold War

3: Reacting to Lysenko

4: Acquired Characteristics

5: The “Spitzer Affair”

6: Pigs Wearing Booties Earn Scorn of Red Press

Epilogue: “Nikita and I have our difficulties…” .

Notes:

Description based upon print version of record.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

1-280-79863-7

94-007-2840-9

9786613709028

OCLC:

783119434