Abstract

This is a professional-level intellectual history of the development of immunology from about 1720 to about 1970. Beginning with the work and insights of the early immunologists in the 18th century, Silverstein traces the development of the major ideas which have formed immunology down to the maturation of the discipline in the decade following the Second World War. Emphasis is placed on the philosophic and sociologic climate of the scientific milieu in which immunology has developed, providing a background to the broad culture of the discipline.

• A professional-level intellectual history of the development of immunology from about 1720 to 1970, with emphasis placed on the social climate of the scientific milieu in which modern immunology evolved
• Written by an author very well known both as a historian of medical science and for his substantial research contributions to the immunopathology of the eye
• The only complete history of immunology available

"Energetic and overwhelmingly successful... The book is presented in a consistent and captivating style which will surely find its reward in a wide readership consisting of students and professionals engaged in diverse disciplines." --MOLECULAR IMMUNOLOGY

"This is as delightful book." --PATHOLOGY

"This work can be recommended with great enthusiasm. Its targeted audience is everyone." --HUMAN PATHOLOGY

"This History of Immunology is highly recommended to all immunologists; it also can be put to excellent use as an uncommonly lucid introductory Immunology text for medical students and graduate students in immunology." --Carel J. Van Oss, IMMUNILOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS

"A fascinating history. I recommend this volume highly to any physician or scientist with more than a casual interest in immunology and in the way our modern principles and applications evolved. It is described on the book jacket as a professional, intellectual history. I would go further to say that it is well crafted, and well written -- a pleasure to read." --JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION

"He has written this book with young research workers in mind, to inform them of all the research that has gone into the study of immunology since the introduction of inoculation as a prophylactic measure in the first decades of the 18th century. The book is particularly strong on the controversies that raged over the respective merits of cellular and humoral immunity." --JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF MEDICINE

"Arthur Silverstein's A History of Immunology is sure to be the standard in the field upon which future efforts will be based... A comprehensive overview of the development of the major concepts of the discipline that is both descriptive and analytical... It is a fine piece of scholarship for all to enjoy and will undoubtedly form an indispensable starting point for future scholars who wish to examine the development of knowledge about the phenomenon of the immune response." --Dexter Howard, ACADEMIC MEDICINE

"He has written each chapter to be self-sufficient and truly succeeds in this attempt... The appendices are invaluable... This book provides a broad background of the discipline of immunology which the reader can easily supplement with recent textbooks." --OHIO JOURNAL OF SCIENCE

"Silverstein managed to write a scientific book that is interesting, entertaining, and educating alike." --EXPERIMENTAL AND CLINICAL IMMUNOGENETICS