Man and His Future

The subject matter of this Ciba symposium departs from the usual specialized, esoteric topics of these meetings. Bringing together such noted scientists as Sir Julian Huxley, Joshua Lederberg, Albert Szent-Gy6rgi, and J. B. S. Haldane, this conference discusses the future of mankind as seen through the eyes of people actively engaged in biological research. These men don the philosopher's hat and attempt to analyze the impact of recent advances in the sciences of genetics, agriculture, psychology, medicine, technology, and others on the future development of man as a social being and on the society in which he lives. Their essays are provocative and challenging and provide interesting reading for scientist and layman alike. They discuss subjects which mankind will be concerned with in the relatively near future such as eugenics, population control, the food supply, and automation and do not deal in prediction of future utopias. At times the central theme of an essay is difficult to follow because the author jumps from one point to another. On the whole, however, the articles are written well, and the thoughts are followed with ease.