Holy Island: A demographic, genetic and medical population study

Abstract

The thesis consists of three chapters, concerned with demographic genetic and medical population studies respectively. In the first chapter the social history of the island is outlined and the historical demography, as deduced principally from census and parish records is considered. Thus the demographic composition of the present day islanders is established in detail and these data provide the bases for genetic studies. The second chapter provides detailed genetic parameters for the contemporary population. These include the following: blood groups, serum proteins, isoenzymes, PTC tasting, dermatoglyphics and BAIB excretion. Possible explanations for the observed gene frequencies are sought, frequencies which, in toto, render the population of Holy Island unique. These explanations involve both geographical and historico-demographic factors. In the third chapter the results obtained by population screening procedures are outlined. These include: red cell haemoglobin, serum uric acid, serum cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and their significance within the population is discussed. Major themes which run through the thesis and which serve to unify its constituent sections include: the use of surnames, a series of island sub-populations and the use of interrelationships.