Research and Application of Genetics Blood Group: 1900-1950

The goal of this project is to study an historical precursor and parallel to the HGP: the discovery of the inheritance of the ABO blood system and the attempt to use it as a genetic marker for a variety of human traits and disorders. The literature published during the period from 1919 to 1939 will be analyzed based on research done world-wide on blood group distribution as a definition of race and the links between blood type and criminality, insanity and disease. Articles will be coded for several variables to permit statistical analysis of the overall pattern of research. Archival material of the major researchers will also be consulted to give greater depth to the picture that emerged. At least one follow-up study will be done on the period after the Second World War concerning how misapplications were recognized in attempts to define races. The anticipated result of the study is to provide human genome researchers and policy makers with a broader historical perspective that will help them recognize the new ground they are breaking while avoiding the pitfalls of similar experiences in the past.