Theoretical Genetics

Theoretical Genetics by Richard B. Goldschmidt is a reflective and ambitious attempt to outline genetics as a fully theoretical science, comparable in scope and aspiration to theoretical physics. Goldschmidt begins by observing that physics has long separated experimental and theoretical approaches, with the latter abstracting philosophical and mathematical principles from empirical facts. Biology, by contrast, has tended to weave generalizations into descriptive studies or indulge in metaphysical speculation—debates over mechanism, teleology, or vitalism—without developing a systematic framework. Goldschmidt argues that genetics, though a young discipline, is approaching the point where specific findings can be extended into broad generalizations, forming the basis for what he calls “theoretical genetics.” Drawing on more than four decades of research, Goldschmidt describes his own effort to unify genetics, development, and evolution through wide-ranging conceptual synthesis. From his early studies of intersexuality to his later books and essays, he continually sought to move beyond data collection toward an integrated theory of heredity. He frames theoretical genetics around three interdependent questions: the nature of the genetic material, its role in directing development, and how both structure and action explain evolution. Goldschmidt stresses that the book is not a textbook or exhaustive review but rather a selective, personal dialogue meant to highlight salient facts and ideas with theoretical significance. While omitting narrow problems like the detailed mechanics of crossing over, he seeks to construct a broad synthesis that can guide future inquiry. The result is a provocative contribution to the history of genetics, marking a step toward establishing genetics not only as an experimental science but also as a discipline of theoretical coherence. This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press’s mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1955.