To extract stem cell technology from the controversy surrounding it, Parson, a science journalist, focuses on the nature of stem cells and the history of scientific knowledge about them, beginning in 1740 through the present. While her account is well researched and balanced, Parson writes with a journalist\'s eye for the human interest story, personalizing the history with narratives about scientists\' experiments and discoveries. She concludes the volume with a realistic view of the possible benefits of stem cell research. Annotation ©2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)