Science reflects history as society influences science: brief history of “race,” “race correction,” and the spirometer

Review of the book "Race and History"

In 1952, the UNESCO International Organization published a series on explaining and clarifying the role of culture in society and suggested the writing of a book on the issue of race throughout history to Claude Lévi-Strauss, a prominent French anthropologist. The result of his efforts is the publication of a book called "Race and History". Race and History is one of the books that was translat...

Commentary on the meaning of race in science and society.

Introduction Quite recently, I had a personal experience that underscored why we must constantly revisit the issue of race in America. I went to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in search of information about my great-great grandfather. I knew he was a slave in Raleigh, North Carolina who bought his freedom in 1838 and called himself “Freeman” because he was free. I also knew the...

History as Educational Materials and to Popularize the Science of Toxicology

Joint Meeting British Society for the History of Science Canadian Society for the History and Philosophy of Science

S 27-75

Race, ethnicity and lung function: A brief history

Spirometry is the most common lung function test and represents the cornerstone diagnostic and management tool for individuals with chronic respiratory diseases. Variability and changing temporal trends in lung function measurements, however, have contributed to the problem of standardizing spirometry, especially with regard to 'race correction'. This article examines the history of the practic...