Human Genetics, Second Edition

Human genetics is an intensely personal and fascinating science. Its subject matter touches all facets of our being, biological, social, and philosophical. Each passing day new knowledge opens a window into our genetic soul or widens an already existing one. Human genetics may be the most rapidly expanding science in the world today—one reason why textbooks on this subject are so difficult and challenging to write.
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The second edition of Human Genetics is organized so that classical genetics is presented in the first six chapters, molecular genetics in the next six chapters, complex inheritance patterns and behavioral genetics in Chapters 13 and 14, and population genetics in Chapter 15. Though not the only way to present the subject of human genetics, it is effective and logical for students. In some but not all ways, the sequence reflects the historical development of genetics.
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The second editon of Human Genetics has several new features that distinguish it from the first edition. For example, a new chapter on molecular techniques has been added. The chapter on chromosomes now precedes the chapter on Mendelian inheritance patterns. Several new special-interest boxes have been added throughout the text. These include a box on a new way to determine whether mutations have been induced as a consequence of exposure to some dangerous chemical, a box on the possible genetic basis for Dracula, boxes on some important social and ethical issues engendered by human genetics research, and a box on the molecular genetic evidence for the biblical Eve.