In the continuing excitement over the progress of the Human Genome Project and fast-changing technologies that are developing from it, one word has been conspicuous by it's absence from the media hype: "eugenics".
Since the horrendous experiments of Nazi Germany and the abuses of other dictators, before and after, eugenics has acquired a sinister reputation. Yet now, at the beginning of the twenty-first century, eugenics should again be recognised for what it is: the use of science for the improvement of our genetic constitution.
Despite the appalling past history of eugenics and the spectre of discrimination on genetic grounds by insurers, employers or state institutions, the new genetic technologies are here to stay. David Galton's superbly clear-headed and sensible assessment of the history, science and ethics of eugenics is a timely and essential contribution to the debate.
