Synopsis

Here is a brief and authoritative account of human physical growth, beautifully written by one of the world's foremost experts. In Fetus into Man Professor Tanner tells the story of growth in language that is both accessible to the nonbiologist and acceptable to the biologist.

The book begins with the basics of growth: cell division, hormonal control and differential growth of body tissues. It then builds on these basics to provide a picture of individual growth—from the fetus in utero to the development of sex differences at puberty. Tanner pays special attention along the way to the psychological and social problems faced by children who mature either too soon or too late, and he concludes with a full description of the major growth disorders and current methods of treatment.

Fetus into Man will be an important reference for parents, educators, students of development, and indeed anyone who must deal with the growing child.

Booknews

New edition of a 1978 text on human development intended as a jargon- free resource for parents, students, and practitioners. The revisions reflect new research, particularly in the areas of pediatric and adolescent endocrinology and the interaction of heredity and environment in the control of growth. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Biography

J.M. Tanner is Professor of Child Health and Growth at the Institute of Child Health, University of London