The Wellborn Science Eugenics in Germany, France, Brazil, and Russia

Monograph

Series: Monographs on the History and Philosophy of Biology

By: Mark B Adams(Editor)

256 pages

Publisher: Oxford University Press USA

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ISBN: 9780195053616 Hardback May 1990 Not in stock: Usually dispatched within 6 days
£147.50
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About this book

Eugenics is the branch of biology concerned with the improvement of hereditary qualities in humans. It draws scientists into direct contact with social and political policy makers. Yet, eugenic movements which have been mainly implemented by politicians, often differ significantly from the original aims of the scientists.

The four contributors to this volume examine the eugenic movements in Germany, France, Brazil, and the Soviet Union. The scientific components of those programmes are considered alongside the social, religious, and political forces which significantly altered the original scientific goals. The book opens up new and comparative perspectives on the history of eugenics and the social aspects of science in general.

Introduction: Eugenics in the history of science

1. The race hygiene movement in Germany 1900-1940 / Sheila Faith Weiss
2. The eugenics movement in France 1890-1940 / William H. Schneider
3. Eugenics in Brazil 1917-1940 / Nancy Leys Stepan
4. Eugenics in Russia 1900-1940 / Mark B. Adams

Conclusion: Towards a comparative history of eugenics: Issues and prospects

Customer Reviews

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Monograph

Series: Monographs on the History and Philosophy of Biology

By: Mark B Adams(Editor)

256 pages

Publisher: Oxford University Press USA

Media reviews

"This volume should be bought and read not only by historians of science but by all those interested in and involved in the Human Genome Project. To know what was thought and what happened in the twentieth century may be helpful for those who will be active in the twenty-first."
– Nature

"[Adams] has produced a comparative history of the eugenics movement based largely on non-English sources. The result is an unusually coherent and provocative composite work which significantly broadens our understanding of this movement's worldwide impact. This volume fulfills the promise of comparative history by widening the scope of investigations, and by suggesting ways to reexamine old questions and to frame new ones."
– Journal of the History of Behavioral Sciences

"Mark Adam's excellent analysis and account of the rise and fall of eugenics in Russia tells a tale of much importance and adds not a few previously unreported matters."
– The Quarterly Review of Biology

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