The genesis of Adam and Eve

Did Adam ever really get together with Eve? A lecture by noted geneticist,Prof Steve Jones, will reveal all, writes Dick Ahlstrom

What does it mean to be a male rather than a female? What do our genes tell us about the differences between the two? Did Adam ever actually meet Eve?

All promises to be revealed when professor of genetics and noted author, Prof Steve Jones comes to Dublin next month to deliver a free public lecture related to his new book, Did Adam Meet Eve? The View from the Genes.

Prof Jones's book takes on themes derived from Charles Darwin's second great book, The Descent of Man. Its subject matter is also timely given recent claims by the US Raelian sect that it cloned a female infant without the need for male intervention.

"The legend of Adam and Eve is all about sex, but what does that really mean? We all think we know, but in fact the truth about sex is subtle and unexpected," says Jones of his book. He will take his Dublin audience through the human history of our genetic ancestries, both male and female. He will describe the transportation of genetic material across the years and the continents.

Science is telling us a surprising truth about maleness and about man's descent as distinct from that of woman, he believes. His thesis hints at where the famous figures of Adam and Eve may have lived and whether they ever actually had a chance to get together. He also suggests that the ancient view of woman as diminished man is quite wrong.

His lecture will run on February 4th at 7 p.m. in the Burke Theatre, Arts Block, Trinity College Dublin. His visit is organised by the Royal Irish Academy and The Irish Times, in association with DEPFA Bank and Wyeth Pharmaceuticals.

Jones is professor of genetics at University College London and has worked in universities in the US, Australia and Africa.

Tickets for the lecture are free but must be booked in advance by telephone. Dial 1550-114708 from the Republic or 0906-604-0248 from Northern Ireland, leaving your name, address, phone number and number of tickets you require (maximum two tickets per person). Calls cost 74 cent a minute. Calls from mobile phones may be more expensive. Phone lines will remain open until the 400 places are booked.