CITE:Â Blechschmidt, E., & Freeman, B. The Ontogenetic Basis of Human Development. North Atlantic Books. 1987.
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SUMMARY
This book presents an anatomical overview of the changing form and structure of the human body. Although biomechanical embryology can be traced back to the 19th century, up until recently the most commonly accepted framework for the study of human ontogeny (development of the individual) was molecular biology, which all too frequently relied on findings from animal experiments that remained untested for humans. German embryologist and anatomist Erich Blechschmidt’s research concentrates on the evidence presented by the human embryo itself. He offers a new approach to the study of early human growth as a way to shed light on the development of body build, instincts, gestures, language, mathematics, tools, and dress.
Thus, “The Ontogenetic Basis of Human Development” is a comprehensive book that explores human development from conception to birth. It covers a wide range of topics, including embryology, genetics, anatomy, and physiology. The book also examines the role of environmental factors in shaping human development, such as nutrition, drugs, and stress. Blechschmidt and Freeman argue that understanding the ontogenetic basis of human development is essential for understanding the causes of developmental abnormalities and for developing effective interventions.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Provides a detailed account of the stages of human development from conception to birth.
- Explores the role of genetics, embryology, anatomy, and physiology in shaping human development.
- Examines the impact of environmental factors on human development, including nutrition, drugs, and stress.
- Argues that understanding the ontogenetic basis of human development is essential for understanding the causes of developmental abnormalities and for developing effective interventions.
SELECTED QUOTES
- “The embryo’s development is a single process of gradual change that can only be understood in relation to the totality of the organism.” (p. 7)
- “Embryos are not simply miniature adults; they are dynamic and changing entities with their own unique properties and characteristics.” (p. 24)
- “The environment plays a crucial role in shaping human development, from the earliest stages of embryonic development to the final stages of birth.” (p. 148)
