Icons of Life

Discover the profound exploration of human life in "Icons of Life" by Lynn Marie Morgan, published by University of California Press in 2009. This compelling 328-page paperback delves into the groundbreaking project by the Carnegie Institution of Washington, which aimed to collect embryos for scientific research in the early 20th century. Morgan expertly unravels the paradox of how these lifeless specimens transformed into powerful symbols of life, examining the social implications of embryos as artifacts distinct from the pregnant women who bore them. Additionally, the narrative reveals the unexpected ways in which a fetus influenced the career of the renowned writer Gertrude Stein. This thought-provoking work intersects the fields of medical anthropology and social aspects of human reproductive technology, making it an essential read for anyone interested in the complexities of embryology and its cultural significance.