Times of triumph, times of doubt and the battle for public trust

Abstract

From this book’s slightly puzzling title one would not easily guess that it is a study of ethical issues in relation to genetics, in particular of how good intentions have led to bad, sometimes disastrous outcomes. A number of books on genetics in relation to ethics have appeared in recent years, but this one is diVerent, largely because it takes a historical approach, rather than examining problems from a current perspective. Carlson is a basic geneticist and a historian of science by background; those who have read his superb history of classical genetics, Mendel’s Legacy, and his biography of H. J. Muller, will recognise the depth and rigor that his historical approach brings to the present book. He presents a series of examples where new scientiWc applications have led to clearly ‘bad outcomes’ and tries to uncover the reasons why. For geneticists the most telling of these episodes relate to eugenics, with devastating critiques of the Xaws of the Americans Charles Davenport and Harry Laughlin. Francis Galton, by contrast, escapes perhaps too lightly in Carlson’s evaluation, which also in my view underestimates his scientiWc contributions. Other genetic examples include the suppression of the genetic eVects of radiation and, more recent, issues surrounding prenatal diagnosis, stem cells, cloning and genetically modiWed foods. But Carlson does not conWne his examination to genetic problems, and powerful examples are given from drugs and chemicals (thalidomide, synthetic oestrogens, pesticides) and infectious disease. Carlson shows convincingly that most of the scientists and clinicians involved in these various disasters had largely good intentions, but that these were subverted by a combination of poor science, lack of critical faculty and a range of personality deWciencies, notably desire for prestige and power. Importantly he makes it clear that even the most terrible abuses were perpetrated by relatively ‘ordinary’ people who were often respected and eminent members of the scientiWc community. He also highlights the other side of the coin, the many scientists, geneticists prominently among them, who tried to expose Xawed science and suppressed facts, and who often suVered severely for this, usually on political and religious grounds. He concludes, rightly, that science and scientists, taken as a whole, have been responsible for much more good than harm. This book deserves to form part of all courses involving science and ethics, whether for laboratory scientists and clinicians, or for social scientists. Based on a lecture course for non-science students it is extremely clearly written, thoughtful and full of common-sense, while it adds the historical dimension that is often missing. For those in genetics it is particularly important; it will open readers’ eyes to some disturbing aspects of our science’s past—and may even help in avoiding more ‘bad outcomes’ in the future.