Description: The essays in this collection examine developments in three fundamental biological disciplines--embryology, evolutionary biology, and genetics--in conflict with each other for much of the twentieth century. They consider key methodological problems and the difficulty of overcoming them. Richard Burian interweaves historical appreciation of the settings within which scientists work, substantial knowledge of the biological problems at stake and the methodological and philosophical issues faced in integrating biological knowledge drawn from disparate sources.
Brief description: Richard M. Burian is Professor of Philosophy and Science Studies at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.
Review Quotes: "for those willing to invest some time, the rewards of this volume are considerable: Burian presents a nuanced account of a number of important developments in 20th century biology." - Todd Grantham, College of Charleston