DDT, Silent Spring, and the Rise of Environmentalism

Thomas R. Dunlap is professor of history at Texas A & M University. He is the author of four books including Faith in Nature: Environmentalism as Religious Quest and DDT: Scientists, Citizens, and Public Policy.

• Foreword by William CrononPreface and Acknowledgments Introduction Part 1: BACKGROUNDViews of Nature1. Stephen A. Forbes, "The Ecological Foundations of Applied Entomology"2. Leland O. Howard, "The War against Insects" -Pre-DDT Pesticides and DDT's Use in World War II3. Paul Neal et al., "A Study of the Effects of Lead Arsenate Exposure on Orchardists and Consumers of Sprayed Fruit" 4. Paul Neal et al., "Toxicity and Potential Dangers of Aerosols, Mists, and Dusting Powders Containing DDT" Part 2: DDT'S BRIGHT PROMISE AND NEGLECTED PROBLEMS (1942-1958)DDT as Miracle Chemical5. Brigadier General James Stevens Simmons, "How Magic is DDT?" 6. "Aerosol Insecticides" 7. Clay Lyle, "Achievements and Possibilities in Pest Eradication" -Early Warnings8. Paul B. Dunbar, "The Food and Drug Administration Looks at Insecticides" 9. Clarence Cottam and Elmer Higgins, "DDT and Its Effect on Fish and Wildlife" Part 3: RISING CONCERN ABOUT NEW PROBLEMSDDT, Food Chains, and Wildlife10. Roy J. Barker, "Notes on Some Ecological Effects of DDT Sprayed on Elms" 11. Editorial from Bird Study 12. Derek A. Ratcliffe, "The Status of the Peregrine in Great Britain" 13. Robert Rudd, Pesticides and the Living Landscape 14. Thomas R. Dunlap, Interview with Joseph J. Hickey15. Robert S. Strother, "Backfire in the War against Insects" Part 4: THE STORM OVER SILENT SPRINGPublic Alarm16. Morton Mintz, "'Heroine' of FDA Keeps Bad Drug Off Market" 17. Rachel Carson, "A Fable for Tomorrow" -Reactions18. President's Science Advisory Committee, Use of Pesticides 19. Robert H. White-Stevens, "Communications Create Understanding" 20. Edwin Diamond, "The Myth of the 'Pesticide Menace'" 21. Robert Gillette, "DDT: Its Days are Numbered, Except Perhaps in Pepper Fields" Part 5: DDT AND MALARIA22. Thomas Sowell, "Intended Consequences" 23. Thomas R. Hawkins, "Rereading Silent Spring" 24. May Berenbaum, "If Malaria's the Problem, DDT's Not the Only Answer" Notes on Further Reading Credits Index

"DDT, Silent Spring, and the Rise of Environmentalism provides an important survey of petrochemical use in the postwar United States. It is both a thought-provoking text for undergraduates and a diverse collection of primary sources for scholars..Dunlap valuably provides a succinct overview of the complicated relationships between industry, environment, and the chemical debate."(Agricultural History) "Thomas R. Dunlap's purpose as editor is one of historian rather than judge; every essay—- no matter which side it argues from—- is precise, intelligent, and revealing of the biases and limits of the decade. Dunlap's introductions to each section adds hints of reflection and even redemption. Books like this remind people to treat today's new miracles with delicate care until they know where every path might lead."(ForeWord)