"Biologists' conceptions of hereditary variation and mutation have undergone considerable shifts since the days of Darwin. In Mutation:The History of an Idea from Darwin to Genomics, Carlson traces those changes in the meaning of the term from genetics at the turn of the 20th century to the emergence of genomics, identifying the researchers involved and how ideas evolved.Carlson includes commentary on human genetics, concern for genetic effects [of] radiation with the development of atomic weapons, and the use of radiation in medicine and industry. He argues that the deployment of new techniques has resulted in the changed meaning of mutation, and in this regard, all readers will agree." 'e"The Quarterly Review of Biology"Carlson trained as a Drosophila geneticist with Hermann Muller 'e" surely the person who has done more than any other in advancing our understanding of mutation. But he is also a historian, as witnessed by his previous books.Altogether Carlson's account of the story of mutation is well told.Genetics has been fortunate in having such a wide-range and thoughtful person as Carlson to examine the topic of mutation from a broad perspective, and I greatly hope that this book will not only be enjoyed by geneticists of all kinds, but that it will lead them to Carlson's other equally enjoyable historical books on genetics.

" 'e"Human GeneticsThe book is a quick read. It doesn't seek so much to re-educate readers on what mutation is, as it does construct a timeline of how scientists have perceived it through the past couple of centuries.Carlson's book presents a history of the concept of mutation, but also a history of how science itself has changed because of that word's evolution.In seeking to lend a sense of history to a word that is used often in today's science, Carlson succeeds." 'e"Genome Web Daily News"Because Carlson has been directly involved in some of the research, there are details and insights one is unlikely to find in any other public reference source'e¦.Mutation: The History of an Idea from Darwin to Genomics tells this story in an engaging narrative'e¦." --- PsycCRITIQUES "This book provides an excellent view of mutation theories from a historical perspective, and it gives the reader an appreciation for those involved in the process and the difficulty some theories faced in gaining acceptance by the scientific community.It is an easy read for scientists and nonscientists alike, and a valuable resource for genetics or history of science courses.

" 'e"Choice.