Ethical Constraints and Imperatives in Medical Research by Maurice B. Visscher (review)

the higher taxa are omitted. No categories above the family are mentioned explicitly, and nearly all examples are from genera with living species. Thus attention is restricted to the Cenozoic, and the examples presented are overwhelmingly botanical, though often with a parallel drawn from the carabitbeetles . Vertebrates receivejust token representation except in the final chapters on temporal changes in distribution. The distributions described are nearly all European (especially British) and American (Midwestern). This probably reflects the distribution of biogeographical information as well as the preference and competence of the author. He presents with seeming approbation the rationalization of high biotic diversity in the tropics as a consequence of lack ofcompetition in an infinitely benign hothouse wherein almost any sort of monstrosity can flourish. Seddon is too good an ecologist to be excused for this lapse, since the literature is replete with analyses of the competition of tropical plants for light, pollinators, and seed dispersal agents. This book contains much geological and pedologicaljargon, but no mention of either the traditional system of biogeographic realms (let alone Wallace or Darwin ) or the revival of the theory of continental drift (let alone Wegener or du Toit). The beginner who starts here will pass "go" without collecting either an impression of the full sweep of the subject or a sense of its emphasis and direction . Many major problems could not be dealt with in the framework presented. The book is well produced, and as a collection of well-documented case histories it should prove useful to lecturers as well as students as a supplement to other books. Michael Lee Wonio Bettendorf, Iowa Ethical Constraints and Imperatives in Medical Research. By Maurice B. Visscher. Springfield, 111.: Charles C Thomas, 1975. Pp. 116. $8.50. Ethical guides to scientific research and the uses of knowledge have been subjects of penetrating debates since World War II and have led to significant progress in the protection of human rights. Professor Visscher has been interested in linking science and humanism all of his adult life, long before it became fashionable. In this clearly written book he reviews the ethical guides to medical research and gives concrete examples of the ways in which he believes they should be applied. A central thesis of the book is that in addition to avoiding harm it is imperative that the medical researcher seek to benefit man. Benefit does not always come to the subjects of research, but it can be gained for others. Protectionist groups can paralyze medical research by trying to avoid all risks and all forms of invasion of privacy. When there are competing goods the genuine should outweigh the hypothetical. Visscher supports the full communication of information on risks, benefits and uncertainties to human subjects and limiting research to volunteers. He discusses the dilemmas of doing needed research on children, retardates, the Perspectives in Biology and Medicine · Spring 1976 | 445 mentally ill, and prisoners. He emphasizes the need to do research on human fetuses. He believes that basic biological functions should be studied in laboratory animals insofar as possible. The reverence-for-life principle supports the duty of medical researchers to sacrifice the lives of animals that are less precious than man in order to improve the conditions of human life. The book is a valuable addition to knowledge and ideas on biomedical ethics. Dwight J. Ingle Professor Emeritus University of Chicago 446 I Book Reviews ...