How Does One Tell A Man From A Woman?

What does five nanomoles per liter mean in unscientific numerology? Unless you're an educated chemist/mathematician, not much.

For the entire history of the human species the distinction between the sexes was made on the basis of the senses. Women and men had different appearances, they produced different odors, the sounds that they made were generally different. Of course there were individuals that didn't fall into the normal pattern, like hermaphrodites, but they were rare. Others, whose behavior didn't match their perceived sex, weren't considered as a separate sex but something else.

The subject wasn't considered as important until the advent of advanced science. The discovery and interpretation of chromosomes occurred early in the 20th century, principally by Thomas Hunt Morgan. It was determined that humans have 23 chromosome pairs. The pairs that determine sex are referred to as X chromosomes in females. Males have one X chromosome and one Y chromosome.

 

lonetester.com  Model of the DNA double helix

No one is able to obtain the chromosome pattern of an individual without sophisticated scientific analysis so sensory input is still the general standard for making the distinction. However, this doesn't seem to be sufficient in the postmodern era. 

Individuals that have what is called "gender dysphoria" aren't satisfied with their sexuality and find it doesn't match their personality. There are men that don't feel that they actually are men and women who think that they are men encased in a female body. Once again, instances of this have occurred throughout history. Then and now, the casual observer still perceives gender on the basis of sensory impressions.

The scientific method has become more and more sophisticated, operating on a level so miniature, so infinitesimal, that normal human senses are no longer useful. This situation probably began with the invention of optics, the telescope, and later, the microscope, but has now reached an even deeper level, permeating every aspect of our lives. Food products are tested for contaminants at a level of parts per billion. 

A recent example of the dimensions of this new state of affairs has come to light in Orange County, California, where a DNA expert's analysis of crime scene evidence, some from as far back as the '80s, has sent supposed offenders to prison. Further investigation has called her analysis and testimony into question, investigations by other DNA experts, since no layman is qualified to do so. 

The miniaturization of science has had beneficial results but also negative ones in that only a small coterie of specialists with advanced proprietary equipment are qualified to deal with the field. 

The computer with which you're reading this is the product of the microscopic printing process used to produce the chips that operate it. Continuous research goes on in virtually every modern endeavor to make use of smaller and smaller tools and processes. Where this will all end, no one really knows.

     gephartelectric.com

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