Marvelling at the Marvel: The Supposed Conversion of A.D. Darbishire to Mendelism |
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Authors: | Rachel A Ankeny |
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Institution: | (1) Unit for the History and Philosophy of Science, University of Sydney, F07 Carslaw Building, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia |
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Abstract: | The so-called “biometric-Mendelian controversy” has received much attention from science studies scholars. This paper focuses
on one scientist involved in this debate, Arthur Dukinfield Darbishire, who performed a series of hybridization experiments
with mice beginning in 1901. Previous historical work on Darbishire’s experiments and his later attempt to reconcile Mendelian
and biometric views describe Darbishire as eventually being “converted”' to Mendelism. I provide a new analysis of this episode
in the context of Darbishire’s experimental results, his underlying epistemology, and his influence on the broader debate
surrounding the rediscovery and acceptance of Mendelism. Iinvestigate various historiographical issues raised by this episode
in order to reflect on the idea of “conversion” to a scientific theory. Darbishire was an influential figure who resisted
strong forces compelling him to convert prematurely due to his requirements that the new theory account for particularly important
anomalous facts and answer the most pressing questions in the field.
This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date. |
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Keywords: | Mendelism biometry biometric-Mendelian controversy genetics mice breeding experiments conversion theory change epistemology of science |
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