Research on abnormal human hemoglobins (protein inblood that carries oxygen), has taught us about the inheritance,biochemistry, and distribution of these traits. Th isknowledge, coupled with mathematical research usingcomputer models of population genetics, has enabledresearchers to marry biological fact and genetic theory.

This volume places medical understanding in an evolutionaryframework. Using published data on the frequenciesof abnormal hemoglobins in the world's populations,Livingston analyzes and interprets these frequencies in thelight of world distribution of diff erent forms of diseasessuch as malaria. He further develops the genetic theoryof the evolutionary homeostasis.

Livingston discusses the relation of abnormal hemoglobinsto endemic malaria and, shows how natural selectionpressures explain the known distribution of thesetraits. Where non-coinciding distributions arise, the bookpresents other genetic, anthropological, evolutionary, andepidemiological evidence to explain these discrepancies.This classic work remains a useful sourcebook for professorsand graduate students of anthropology, genetics,epidemiology, and hematology.

Frank B. Livingstone was professor emeritus of biologicalanthropology at the University of Michigan. He recieved theMartin Luther King Award from the Southern Christian LeadershipConference for his groundbreaking research on sickle cellanemia and is the author of Data on the Abnormal Hemoglobin'sand Glucose-Six-Phosphate Deficiency in Human Populations.

Jonathan Marks is a professor of anthropology, at the Universityof North Carolina, Charlotte.