Sub-title: On Genetic Variety and the Human Body
I'm on the fence about this one. I picked it up at a used bookstore that had a shelf of books on genetics, one of my favorite topics. It's dated, however, the facts explained are still interesting. The book focuses on the impact of mutations in our genetic makeup that are responsible for the deformities seen in humans. That focus makes the book what could be described as morbidly fascinating, using that appeal to actually provide scientific insights on what makes us different.
I felt the author was disingenuous and exploitative of individuals who have had to live with the results. I learned the names of several genetically caused conditions and their persistence since ancient history. I was intrigued by his suggestion that dying before 100 or 120, or just aging itself, could be a mutation in the species that survived because it only occurs after the individual can no longer (or doesn't usually) reproduce and thus hasn't been weeded out by natural selection. Not recommended.
Published: 2003 Read: March 2024 Genre: Science
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