Medical genetic studies in the Amish: historical perspective.

Medical genetics studies in the Amish began in 1962, when two events sparked the interest of one of the authors (V.A.M.). As a member of the faculty committee advising the Johns Hopkins Press, he was asked to read the manuscript Amish Society submitted by John Hostetler. It was apparent that many characteristics of Amish society made it an excellent community in which to study genetic traits, particularly recessive conditions. In the preface to the 1978 book, Medical Genetic Studies of the Amish, he writes: