Diane B. Paul is Professor Emerita, University of Massachusetts Boston and Research Associate at the Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard University, Massachusetts, USA. Her research has principally focused on the histories of evolution and genetics, especially as they relate to eugenics and the nature-nurture debate.

John Stenhouse is Associate Professor in the Department of History and Art History at the University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand. His research interests centre on nineteenth century science, religion, race, politics and gender, and their interconnections.

Hamish G. Spencer is Professor in the Department of Zoology, at the University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand. He is a geneticist interested in the history of eugenics, especially the genetical arguments used by eugenists. He and Diane Paul have also co-authored essays on the history of laws and attitudes surrounding first-cousin marriage.