The Determination of Sex

Abstract

DONCASTER deals in a masterly way with a problem as difficult as it is fascinating, and his book is a fine illustration of scientific method. He states a theory and presents the evidence, and when the reader has just begun to enjoy a sense of satisfaction, more facts are brought forward which show that the theory breaks down, and that we have still much to learn regarding the determination of sex. It is a pleasure to follow a discussion which is so keenly critical and at the same time open-minded. Those who know Mr. Doncaster's book on heredity will expect lucidity in his treatment of a cognate subject, and they will not be disappointed. He goes deeply into things, but it is all clear, including the glossary. The illustrations are interesting and instructive. An indication of the scope of the book may be given in the chapter-headings: The problem; the nature and function of sex; the stage of development at which sex is determined; sex-limited inheritance; the material basis of sex-determination; the sex-ratio; secondary sexual characters; the hereditary transmission of secondary sexual characters; hermaphroditism and gynandromorphism; general conclusions on the causes which determine sex; the determination of sex in man. The author does not deal with the subject in its entirety, the case of plants, for instance, being deliberately left out, but selects for illustration and discussion the lines which seem to him most promising.

The Determination of Sex.

By Dr. L. Doncaster. Pp. x + 172. (Cambridge: At the University Press, 1914.) Price 7s. 6d. net.