The Mosquito Crusades: A History of the American Anti-Mosquito Movement from the Reed Commission to the First Earth Day (Studies in Modern Science, Technology, and the Environment)

Among the struggles of the twentieth century, the one between humans and mosquitoes may have been the most vexing, as demonstrated by the long battle to control these bloodsucking pests. As vectors of diseases such as malaria, yellow fever, encephalitis, and dengue fever, mosquitoes forced open a new chapter in the history of medical entomology. Based on extensive use of primary sources, The Mosquito Crusades traces this saga and the parallel efforts of civic groups in New Jersey's Meadowlands and along San Francisco Bay's east side to manage the dangerous mosquito population. Providing readers with a fascinating exploration of the relationship between science, technology, and public policy, Gordon Patterson's narrative begins in New Jersey with John B. Smith's effort to develop a comprehensive plan and solution for mosquito control, one that would serve as a national model. From the Reed Commission's 1900 yellow fever experiment to the first Earth Day seventy years later, Patterson provides an eye-opening account of the crusade to curtail the deadly mosquito population. Among The Struggles Of The Twentieth Century, The One Between Humans And Mosquitoes May Have Been The Most Vexing, As Demonstrated By The Long Battle To Control These Blood-sucking Pests. As Vectors Of Diseases Such As Malaria, Yellow Fever, Encephalitis, And Dengue Fever, And As Sources Of Torment, Mosquitoes Forced Open A New Chapter In The History Of Medical Entomology And Human Attempts To Suppress The Insect World. Based On Extensive Use Of Primary Sources, The Mosquito Crusades Traces Efforts To Eliminate The Mosquito Blight From The New Jersey Meadowlands To San Francisco Bay. Providing Readers With A Fascinating Exploration Of The Relationship Between Science, Technology, And Public Policy, Gordon Patterson's Narrative Begins In New Jersey With John B. Smith's Effort To Develop A Comprehensive Plan And Solution For Mosquito Control, One That Would Serve As A National Model. From The Reed Commission's 1900 Yellow Fever Experiment To The First Earth Day Seventy Years Later, Patterson Provides An Eye-opening Account Of The Crusade To Curb The Mosquito Menace.--jacket. The Guardians Of Paradise -- Waging War On The Insect Menace -- The Garden State Takes The Lead -- A Continental Crusade -- Public Health, Race, And Mosquitoes -- Widening The Campaign -- Advances And Retreats During The Great Depression -- Weapons Of Mass Destruction -- The Postwar Era -- Discontent And Resistance -- The End Of The Crusade. Gordon Patterson. Sequel To The Mosquito Wars: A History Of Mosquito Control In Florida, Which Appeared In 2004--pref. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 223-253) And Index. As vectors of diseases such as malaria, yellow fever, encephalitis, and dengue fever, mosquitoes forced open a fresh chapter in the history of medical entomology. This title traces this saga and the parallel efforts of civic groups in New Jersey's Meadowlands and along San Francisco Bay's east side to manage the dangerous mosquito population. Waging war on the insect menace The Garden State takes the lead A continental crusade Public health, race, and mosquitoes Widening the campaign Advances and retreats during the Great Depression The beginning of the insecticide era The postwar era Discontent and resistance.