Gene

Ted Everson is the Program Manager for Biotechnology Studies in the Center for Contemporary History and Policy at the Chemical Heritage Foundation. He earned a PhD in History and Philosophy of Science and Technology from the University of Toronto, in which he explored historically the increasing use of genetic concepts and technologies in heathcare, an MS in Medical Genetics from the University of British Columbia, focusing on genetic and physical mapping of the human genome, and a BS in Biology from the University of British Columbia. In addition to several academic articles and presentations for various audiences, he is the author of Genetic Engineering: Methods, in Colin Hempstead and William Worthington, eds., Encyclopedia of Twentieth Century Technology and Genetics and Molecular Biology, in Brian Baigre, ed., History of the Exact Sciences and Mathematics.

"This work focuses on making scientific concepts in genetics accessible to students ranging from high school through university, along with the interested general public. Stating that the concept of the gene has a historical lineage, Everson traces this development from the ancient Greeks and medieval period through to current research. Along the way he discusses Gregor Mendel's contribution to genetics, the development of molecular biology, DNA, the Human Genome Project, and current ethical issues surrounding genetics. This work includes a time line, glossary, and bibliography on the important literature of the history of genetics. Illustrations are easy to understand and support the text. Everson has written a highly readable and interesting survey of the history of genetics. Recommended. Lower-/upper-level undergraduates and graduate students." - Choice