The Nine Lives of Gregor Mendel

Abstract

Partial abstract: Nice historical review of some of the arguments pro and con Mendel, although it precedes and so does not address Hartl and Orel. Summarizes some of the many arguments made on Mendel's behalf: that he fudged a lot , he fudged a little; he didn't fudge; he was a Mendeliean; he wasn't a Mendelian, etc. In general, Sapp provides analyses of previous arguments but offers few opinions or new interpretations. Agrees with Olby, in arguing Mendel was not trying to discover laws of heredity; rather, he was addressing the problem of hybridization and the species question. Concludes that there is not consensus as to whether Mendel was an evolutionist and does not offer his own opinion.