In the final chapter of this book Galton (no relation of Sir Francis) writes “It is worthwhile rehabilitating the idea of eugenics and restoring its original meaning as defined by Francis Galton.” Basically he believes that the individual, not the state, should decide whether to avail themselves of techniques such as embryo selection or not and indeed whether to have an abortion or not.

The book itself is divided into two parts. The first “Towards the genetic modification of people” traces the development of eugenic ideas starting with Plato’s Academy via Francis Galton to the development of modern genetics leading to his ideas of the New Eugenics. En route he discusses designing and cloning babies, and the Nazi perversion of eugenics. Later chapters are devoted to the impact of the New Eugenics, as he sees it, on the individual, the family, and society.

Part 2, “Which genetic markers?” is an interesting review of the genetic components of diseases and at least some personality traits. Screening for such diseases and traits might well become possible in the not too distant future. Should such screening be voluntary or compulsory? This question is likely to be the subject of considerable debate if, or when, such screening becomes available.

All interested in eugenics, new or old, and the possible effects of our increasingly detailed knowledge of our genetic makeup will find this book worth reading. I believe David Galton is correct and the way forward should be through informed individual choice. I fear, however, that he may be over-optimistic. The urge to regulate and control (for the ‘public good’ of course) is all too often overdeveloped in politicians. I hope he is right and, just for once, I would like to be wrong.

John Timson