Genethics

Library Journal

The limitations of our knowledge are stressed in this excellent discussion of the ethics of genetic research. Here a Canadian scientist and a science writer have created a very thoughtful presentation on the status of our knowledge about genes (the complex mechanisms by which genes function within a cell, an organism, and a species), and the consequences of that knowledge. The recent expansion of genetic knowledge has brought the Green Revolution to agriculture and genetic screening as well as a serious loss of genetic diversity and the creation of biological weapons. Proposing ten moral principles to guide future research, the authors very effectively emphasize the folly of scientific hubris. For most science collections. A challenging book. Laurie Bartolini, Lincoln Lib., Springfield, Ill.

School Library Journal

YA-- The fields of genetics and ethics are inseparable, and therefore Genethics is an apt title. This book, accessible to non-scientists, is an introduction to both fields and their interactions. The authors state in the preface that they make no pretense that their moral arguments are completely objective; rather, a humanistic point of view has been adopted. Scenarios or case studies help readers work through a sometimes complex genethic principle, which is the focus of each chapter. The many figures and tables add greatly to the text, providing much-needed information to help readers foresee the consequences of various actions. The glossary, bibliography, and index are well done and helpful in exploring the difficult issues presented. A well-chosen chapter as a reading assignment for a biology class should produce an interesting and lively discussion.-- Carolyn Henebry, Episcopal High School, Bellaire, TX

Booknews

Developments in the field of genetics (including, but not limited to, human genetics) have brought into being (or at least into the realm of plausibility) a "genetic engineering" which is widely perceived to pose a diverse assortment of intricately tangled--and in many respects novel--ethical problems. The present volume, addressed to general readers (the face of the principal author will be familiar to viewers of PBS), provides a lucid account of scientific discoveries/facts which lie at the base of this development, and a balanced account of the ethical points at issue. The book desrves to be widely read, for it has been written from a clear sense that the ethical conundrums of today are in this sphere very soon going to acquire (for good or ill) "resolution" as public policy. Thirteen chapters, epilogue, glossary, suggested reading list; nicely produced, with many good figures; reasonably priced. (NW) Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)