Conditions of Existence as Affecting the Perpetuation of Living Beings By: Thomas Henry Huxley (1825-1895)
In "Conditions of Existence as Affecting the Perpetuation of Living Beings," the renowned biologist Thomas Henry Huxley presents a profound exploration of the fundamental factors influencing the survival and perpetuation of living beings. As one of the key contributors to the theory of evolution, Huxley offers a meticulous analysis of the earthly phenomena that shape the very essence of life. Huxley's work delves into the intricate web of relationships between organisms and their environment. He lays out a comprehensive framework that highlights the significance of these relationships in determining the chances of survival and evolution over time. Throughout the book, he seamlessly intertwines biological and ecological principles, illustrating their inseparable nature and their crucial role in defining life's course. One of the book's strengths lies in Huxley's ability to present complex concepts in a clear and accessible manner. His erudition shines through as he presents a multitude of evidence, from the microscopic to the macroscopic, to support his claims. Through detailed explanations and thought-provoking examples, he guides the reader through the intricacies of natural selection, adaptation, and the interplay between organisms and their environment. Huxley's prose is captivating and evocative, undoubtedly reflecting his passion for the subject matter. He effortlessly combines scientific rigour with eloquent storytelling, making the book an engaging read even for those without a scientific background. His enthusiasm for understanding life's intricacies is infectious, encouraging readers to delve deeper into the marvels of the natural world. The book's only drawback is its occasional density, particularly when discussing more technical aspects. Although Huxley's mastery of the subject matter is evident, some readers may find themselves momentarily overwhelmed by the depth of scientific detail. However, these instances are relatively infrequent and do not significantly detract from the overall appeal of the work. "Conditions of Existence as Affecting the Perpetuation of Living Beings" is a seminal work that effectively bridges the gap between biological theory and ecological practice. Huxley's exploration of the interdependence between organisms and their environment highlights the delicate balance that underlies all life on Earth. His work continues to be of great importance, providing valuable insights for scientists, nature enthusiasts, and anyone wishing to deepen their understanding of the complexities of existence. First Page: THE CONDITIONS OF EXISTENCE AS AFFECTING THE PERPETUATION OF LIVING BEINGS Lecture V. (of VI.), Lectures To Working Men, at the Museum of Practical Geology, 1863, On Darwin's work: "Origin of Species". By Thomas H. Huxley IN the last Lecture I endeavoured to prove to you that, while, as a general rule, organic beings tend to reproduce their kind, there is in them, also, a constantly recurring tendency to vary to vary to a greater or to a less extent. Such a variety, I pointed out to you, might arise from causes which we do not understand; we therefore called it spontaneous; and it might come into existence as a definite and marked thing, without any gradations between itself and the form which preceded it. I further pointed out, that such a variety having once arisen, might be perpetuated to some extent, and indeed to a very marked extent, without any direct interference, or without any exercise of that process which we called selection. And then I stated further, that by such selection, when exercised artificially if you took care to breed only from those forms which presented the same peculiarities of any variety which had arisen in this manner the variation might be perpetuated, as far as we can see, indefinitely. The next question, and it is an important one for us, is this: Is there any limit to the amount of variation from the primitive stock which can be produced by this process of selective breeding? In considering this question, it will be useful to class the characteristics, in respect of which organic beings vary, under two heads: we may consider structural characteristics, and we may consider physiological characteristics... Continue reading book >>

Conditions of Existence as Affecting the Perpetuation of Living Beings By: Thomas Henry Huxley (1825-1895)

In "Conditions of Existence as Affecting the Perpetuation of Living Beings," the renowned biologist Thomas Henry Huxley presents a profound exploration of the fundamental factors influencing the survival and perpetuation of living beings. As one of the key contributors to the theory of evolution, Huxley offers a meticulous analysis of the earthly phenomena that shape the very essence of life.

Huxley's work delves into the intricate web of relationships between organisms and their environment. He lays out a comprehensive framework that highlights the significance of these relationships in determining the chances of survival and evolution over time. Throughout the book, he seamlessly intertwines biological and ecological principles, illustrating their inseparable nature and their crucial role in defining life's course.

One of the book's strengths lies in Huxley's ability to present complex concepts in a clear and accessible manner. His erudition shines through as he presents a multitude of evidence, from the microscopic to the macroscopic, to support his claims. Through detailed explanations and thought-provoking examples, he guides the reader through the intricacies of natural selection, adaptation, and the interplay between organisms and their environment.

Huxley's prose is captivating and evocative, undoubtedly reflecting his passion for the subject matter. He effortlessly combines scientific rigour with eloquent storytelling, making the book an engaging read even for those without a scientific background. His enthusiasm for understanding life's intricacies is infectious, encouraging readers to delve deeper into the marvels of the natural world.

The book's only drawback is its occasional density, particularly when discussing more technical aspects. Although Huxley's mastery of the subject matter is evident, some readers may find themselves momentarily overwhelmed by the depth of scientific detail. However, these instances are relatively infrequent and do not significantly detract from the overall appeal of the work.

"Conditions of Existence as Affecting the Perpetuation of Living Beings" is a seminal work that effectively bridges the gap between biological theory and ecological practice. Huxley's exploration of the interdependence between organisms and their environment highlights the delicate balance that underlies all life on Earth. His work continues to be of great importance, providing valuable insights for scientists, nature enthusiasts, and anyone wishing to deepen their understanding of the complexities of existence.

First Page:

THE CONDITIONS OF EXISTENCE AS AFFECTING THE PERPETUATION OF LIVING BEINGS

Lecture V. (of VI.), Lectures To Working Men, at the Museum of Practical Geology, 1863, On Darwin's work: "Origin of Species".

By Thomas H. Huxley

IN the last Lecture I endeavoured to prove to you that, while, as a general rule, organic beings tend to reproduce their kind, there is in them, also, a constantly recurring tendency to vary to vary to a greater or to a less extent. Such a variety, I pointed out to you, might arise from causes which we do not understand; we therefore called it spontaneous; and it might come into existence as a definite and marked thing, without any gradations between itself and the form which preceded it. I further pointed out, that such a variety having once arisen, might be perpetuated to some extent, and indeed to a very marked extent, without any direct interference, or without any exercise of that process which we called selection. And then I stated further, that by such selection, when exercised artificially if you took care to breed only from those forms which presented the same peculiarities of any variety which had arisen in this manner the variation might be perpetuated, as far as we can see, indefinitely.

The next question, and it is an important one for us, is this: Is there any limit to the amount of variation from the primitive stock which can be produced by this process of selective breeding? In considering this question, it will be useful to class the characteristics, in respect of which organic beings vary, under two heads: we may consider structural characteristics, and we may consider physiological characteristics... Continue reading book >>

This book is in genre
Science

eBook links
Wikipedia – Thomas Henry Huxley
Wikipedia – Conditions of Existence as Affecting the Perpetuation of Living Beings

eBook Downloads
ePUB eBook • iBooks for iPhone and iPad • Nook • Sony Reader	Kindle eBook • Mobi file format for Kindle
Read eBook • Load eBook in browser	Text File eBook • Computers • Windows • Mac