Genetics in the Madhouse

The Unknown History of Human Heredity

Nonfiction, Science & Nature, Science, Other Sciences, History, Modern
Cover of the book Genetics in the Madhouse by Theodore M. Porter, Princeton University Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Theodore M. Porter ISBN: 9781400890507
Publisher: Princeton University Press Publication: June 5, 2018
Imprint: Princeton University Press Language: English
Author: Theodore M. Porter
ISBN: 9781400890507
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Publication: June 5, 2018
Imprint: Princeton University Press
Language: English

The untold story of how hereditary data in mental hospitals gave rise to the science of human heredity

In the early 1800s, a century before there was any concept of the gene, physicians in insane asylums began to record causes of madness in their admission books. Almost from the beginning, they pointed to heredity as the most important of these causes. As doctors and state officials steadily lost faith in the capacity of asylum care to stem the terrible increase of insanity, they began emphasizing the need to curb the reproduction of the insane. They became obsessed with identifying weak or tainted families and anticipating the outcomes of their marriages. Genetics in the Madhouse is the untold story of how the collection and sorting of hereditary data in mental hospitals, schools for "feebleminded" children, and prisons gave rise to a new science of human heredity.

In this compelling book, Theodore Porter draws on untapped archival evidence from across Europe and North America to bring to light the hidden history behind modern genetics. He looks at the institutional use of pedigree charts, censuses of mental illness, medical-social surveys, and other data techniques--innovative quantitative practices that were worked out in the madhouse long before the manipulation of DNA became possible in the lab. Porter argues that asylum doctors developed many of the ideologies and methods of what would come to be known as eugenics, and deepens our appreciation of the moral issues at stake in data work conducted on the border of subjectivity and science.

A bold rethinking of asylum work, Genetics in the Madhouse shows how heredity was a human science as well as a medical and biological one.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

The untold story of how hereditary data in mental hospitals gave rise to the science of human heredity

In the early 1800s, a century before there was any concept of the gene, physicians in insane asylums began to record causes of madness in their admission books. Almost from the beginning, they pointed to heredity as the most important of these causes. As doctors and state officials steadily lost faith in the capacity of asylum care to stem the terrible increase of insanity, they began emphasizing the need to curb the reproduction of the insane. They became obsessed with identifying weak or tainted families and anticipating the outcomes of their marriages. Genetics in the Madhouse is the untold story of how the collection and sorting of hereditary data in mental hospitals, schools for "feebleminded" children, and prisons gave rise to a new science of human heredity.

In this compelling book, Theodore Porter draws on untapped archival evidence from across Europe and North America to bring to light the hidden history behind modern genetics. He looks at the institutional use of pedigree charts, censuses of mental illness, medical-social surveys, and other data techniques--innovative quantitative practices that were worked out in the madhouse long before the manipulation of DNA became possible in the lab. Porter argues that asylum doctors developed many of the ideologies and methods of what would come to be known as eugenics, and deepens our appreciation of the moral issues at stake in data work conducted on the border of subjectivity and science.

A bold rethinking of asylum work, Genetics in the Madhouse shows how heredity was a human science as well as a medical and biological one.

More books from Princeton University Press

Cover of the book How to Win an Argument by Theodore M. Porter
Cover of the book Dr. Euler's Fabulous Formula by Theodore M. Porter
Cover of the book Yoga in Practice by Theodore M. Porter
Cover of the book Faith in Schools? by Theodore M. Porter
Cover of the book Measuring Tomorrow by Theodore M. Porter
Cover of the book The Plum in the Golden Vase or, Chin P'ing Mei by Theodore M. Porter
Cover of the book The Pity of Partition by Theodore M. Porter
Cover of the book We, the People of Europe? by Theodore M. Porter
Cover of the book Creating the National Pastime by Theodore M. Porter
Cover of the book The Monotheists: Jews, Christians, and Muslims in Conflict and Competition, Volume II by Theodore M. Porter
Cover of the book Not for Profit by Theodore M. Porter
Cover of the book Keywords; by Theodore M. Porter
Cover of the book Religion and Democracy in the United States by Theodore M. Porter
Cover of the book The Myth of the Rational Voter by Theodore M. Porter
Cover of the book For the Glory of God by Theodore M. Porter
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy