Population and Pollution

Proceedings of the 1971 Eugenics Society conference edited by Peter R. Cox and John Peel

"'Because there are too many of us, a man does his neighbours more harm than good, just by staying alive', writes Eliot Slater in the introductory chapter.  As numbers increase this will become a more self-evident factor in our lives.

The main aim of this work is to discuss pollution and its relationship to population growth from as wide a range of scientific viewpoints as possible.  First the anthropological aspects are considered and - quite a novel development of anthropology - the ancient past is described in terms of man's association with his surroundings.  Secondly, current environmental aspects are discussed, including the effects of pollution on wildlife, estuaries and fisheries.  Thirdly, there is much reference to genetic questions such as the influence of radiation: this section includes an important contribution on new drugs and medicines and their probable effects on health in the long term both for the living and for the unborn.  Finally, economic problems are explored, one of which is the optimum population for Britain, another the influence of man’s growing wealth and new technology, linked with his unchanged wastefulness and lack of care.

This volume, the first of a series from the Eugenics Society to be published by Academic Press, will be of immense value to all those concerned at university level with the study and teaching of human biology, sociology, anthropology, demography and genetics.  It will also hold an appeal for everyone interested in the general issues of conservation."  (From the dust jacket of the book)

ISBN 0-12-194250-3

Main contents General Introduction: Ethics and the Population Increase Eliot Slater The Impact of Early Man on his Environment G. W. Dimbleby The Question of Pollution in Earlier and Less Developed Societies Don Brothwell Population, Pollution, and Health in Ancient Egypt D. M. Dixon Anthropological Aspects: Conclusion E. R. Leach Environmental Aspects: Introduction H. R. Hewer Effects of Pollution on Wildlife in Britain K. Mellanby Marine Pollution and the Living Resources of the Sea H. A. Cole Katabolic and Resource Pollution in Estuaries Don R. Arthur Environmental Radiation and Genetic Hazards to Man Mary F. Lyon The Genetic Effects of Environmental Contaminants Marvin S. Legator The Galton Lecture 1971: The New Eugenics? C. O. Carter Sociological Aspects: Introduction John Peel Pollution as a Function of Affluence and Population Increase Norman Lee and P. J. W. Saunders Scientific Knowledge and Societal Crises Roland Robertson Britain’s Optimum Population Wallis Taylor

We regret that we no longer have any copies of this book available for sale, although we have one that we can lend out.  Second-hand copies have been offered on the Internet for as little as £3.75 + delivery.  The General Secretary may be able to provide photocopies of individual chapters for 20p per page.