Nature's Body
This historical study explores the influence of sex roles in the development of modern science, much of which has been defined by the science of the 18th century; today's names, viewpoints, and approaches reflect the sexual and racial prejudices of 18th-century European men. Schiebinger ( The Mind Has No Sex , LJ 11/1/89) looks closely at a few illustrative cases, including botanists' use of erotic language to describe plant reproduction, Linneaus's decision to name a group of animals mammals even though breasts are not the most prominent unifying characteristic, and the discovery of apes and how scientists defined their relationship to human males and females. She concludes with a very good discussion of 18th-century perceptions of race and sex roles. Highly recommended for all libraries.- Eric D. Al bright, Galter Health Sciences Lib., Northwestern Univ., ChicagoCopyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.