ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the authors try to unravel the various ways in which the developing genetic technologies have come to be regarded as 'new'. They discuss this by providing a brief overview of the science involved in an abbreviated historical context. During 1900-43 the genetics was dominated by breeding and cytological studies, when classical genetics made striking advances in transmission genetics. As late as 1939 H. C. McPhee is reported as stating at the Seventh International Genetical Congress, "much has been written and spoken of the value of genetic research as the basis of livestock improvement, but little has been accomplished". By 1958, as Z. Griliches demonstrated in his economic study of hybrid com, measurable social returns were accruing from genetic research. Classical genetics made a contribution to agriculture, most notably the "Green Revolution" in the 1960s. The authors also present an overview of the key concepts discussed in this book.
