Author: Boulenger, G. A.
Title: Remarks on the midwife toad (Alytes obstetricans), with reference to Dr. P. Kammerer's publications. [AND] On a second species of the batrachian genus Amphodus.
Description: London, Taylor & Francis, 1917. 8vo (22.7 x 14.7 cm). 12, 2 pp. Original printed wrappers. = Two contributions by the foremost British herpetologist of the period including one that is at the heart of one of the greatest controversies in modern zoology, evolution, and genetics. The work comments on the experiments by Paul Kammerer, who claimed to have discovered what is regarded as non-Mendelian epigenetic inheritance. Later, after publishing his results in a book in 1924, Kammerer was more openly accused of fraud and he commited suicide. Later authors, including Steven J. Gould, doubted if the results were really fraudulent. Today's knowledge on gene-action and behaviour suggest that Kammerer truly made a great discovery. However, according to Boulenger, "There are so many points in Kammerer's accounts which conflict with I have myself repeatedly observed that it may be well to draw attention to some at least, and to submit them to the consideration of biologists who might wish to form their own opinion...". He continues with questioning almost every statement made by Kammerer... Published in the Annals and Magazine of Natural History series 8, volume 20(115). Uncut. A very good copy.

Keywords: