The First Principles of Heredity offers a clear look at how inheritance shapes life.
This edition tackles the big question of whether acquired traits can be passed to offspring, and what that means for evolution and human development.
Grounded in examples from plants, butterflies, and humans, it explains competing views on germ-plasm, environment, and culture. The text presents debates with careful reasoning and cites notable researchers of the era, helping readers understand both sides of the discussion without spoilers or unnecessary jargon.
Readers will gain a practical overview of how inheritance is studied, what evidence supports or challenges the inheritance of acquired characters, and how society has interpreted these ideas over time. It balances scientific history with accessible explanations aimed at curious readers.
- Key concepts like germ-plasm, epigenesis, and environmental influences are defined and illustrated.
- Historical debates are presented with concrete examples from biology and medicine.
- Questions about education, culture, and civilization are explored in relation to heredity.
- Prominent researchers and pivotal experiments are referenced to show the field’s evolution.
Ideal for readers of science history and introductory genetics who want a grounded, non-spoiler look at how heredity is understood.