Evolution, Old & New Or, the Theories of Buffon, Dr. Erasmus Darwin and Lamarck, as compared with that of Charles Darwin By: Samuel Butler (1835-1902)
Evolution, Old & New Or, the Theories of Buffon, Dr. Erasmus Darwin, and Lamarck, as compared with that of Charles Darwin by Samuel Butler, is a captivating and thought-provoking exploration of the theories of evolution through a historical lens. Published in 1879, this book serves as an important addition to the ongoing discourse surrounding Charles Darwin's groundbreaking work, "On the Origin of Species." Butler's writing style is concise, articulate, and exceptionally well-researched, making this book an intellectual journey through the evolution of evolutionary thought itself. By comparing the theories of Buffon, Dr. Erasmus Darwin, and Lamarck with that of Charles Darwin, Butler injects new life and perspective into the field of evolutionary biology. One of the standout features of this book is Butler's ability to present complex ideas in a manner accessible to a broad range of readers. He effortlessly combines historical context with scientific analysis, allowing the readers to develop a comprehensive understanding of the evolution of evolutionary theories. By presenting the ideas of multiple theorists side by side, Butler encourages critical thinking and evaluation of each theory's merits. Furthermore, Butler dares to challenge some of Darwin's central concepts, offering alternative explanations and highlighting potential weaknesses within his theory of natural selection. However, he does so with the utmost respect for Darwin's contributions, making it clear that questioning established theories is a necessary part of scientific progress. Evolution, Old & New excels in its ability to lay out the groundwork for subsequent discussions and debates on evolution. While Butler's own ideas and proposals may not always align with the mainstream scientific viewpoint, his exploration of various perspectives allows readers to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the complexity of evolution as a scientific subject. In conclusion, Samuel Butler's Evolution, Old & New Or, the Theories of Buffon, Dr. Erasmus Darwin, and Lamarck, as compared with that of Charles Darwin, is an insightful and meticulously researched book that will appeal to both scholars and lay readers interested in the history and evolution of evolutionary theory. Butler's ability to combine historical context, scientific analysis, and thought-provoking critique creates a captivating narrative that challenges readers to question established beliefs. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in deepening their understanding of the scientific exploration of evolution. First Page: Evolution, Old & New "The want of a practical acquaintance with Natural History leads the author to take an erroneous view of the bearing of his own theories on those of Mr. Darwin. Review of 'Life and Habit,' by Mr. A. R. Wallace, in 'Nature,' March 27, 1879. "Neither lastly would our observer be driven out of his conclusion, or from his confidence in its truth, by being told that he knows nothing at all about the matter. He knows enough for his argument; he knows the utility of the end; he knows the subserviency and adaptation of the means to the end. These points being known, his ignorance concerning other points, his doubts concerning other points, affect not the certainty of his reasoning. The consciousness of knowing little need not beget a distrust of that which he does know." Paley's ' Natural Theology ,' chap. i. Evolution, Old & New Or the Theories of Buffon, Dr. Erasmus Darwin and Lamarck, as compared with that of Charles Darwin by Samuel Butler New York E. P. Dutton & Company 681 Fifth Avenue Made and printed in Great Britain NOTE The demand for a new edition of "Evolution, Old and New," gives me an opportunity of publishing Butler's latest revision of his work... Continue reading book >>

Evolution, Old & New Or, the Theories of Buffon, Dr. Erasmus Darwin and Lamarck, as compared with that of Charles Darwin By: Samuel Butler (1835-1902)

Evolution, Old & New Or, the Theories of Buffon, Dr. Erasmus Darwin, and Lamarck, as compared with that of Charles Darwin by Samuel Butler, is a captivating and thought-provoking exploration of the theories of evolution through a historical lens. Published in 1879, this book serves as an important addition to the ongoing discourse surrounding Charles Darwin's groundbreaking work, "On the Origin of Species."

Butler's writing style is concise, articulate, and exceptionally well-researched, making this book an intellectual journey through the evolution of evolutionary thought itself. By comparing the theories of Buffon, Dr. Erasmus Darwin, and Lamarck with that of Charles Darwin, Butler injects new life and perspective into the field of evolutionary biology.

One of the standout features of this book is Butler's ability to present complex ideas in a manner accessible to a broad range of readers. He effortlessly combines historical context with scientific analysis, allowing the readers to develop a comprehensive understanding of the evolution of evolutionary theories. By presenting the ideas of multiple theorists side by side, Butler encourages critical thinking and evaluation of each theory's merits.

Furthermore, Butler dares to challenge some of Darwin's central concepts, offering alternative explanations and highlighting potential weaknesses within his theory of natural selection. However, he does so with the utmost respect for Darwin's contributions, making it clear that questioning established theories is a necessary part of scientific progress.

Evolution, Old & New excels in its ability to lay out the groundwork for subsequent discussions and debates on evolution. While Butler's own ideas and proposals may not always align with the mainstream scientific viewpoint, his exploration of various perspectives allows readers to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the complexity of evolution as a scientific subject.

In conclusion, Samuel Butler's Evolution, Old & New Or, the Theories of Buffon, Dr. Erasmus Darwin, and Lamarck, as compared with that of Charles Darwin, is an insightful and meticulously researched book that will appeal to both scholars and lay readers interested in the history and evolution of evolutionary theory. Butler's ability to combine historical context, scientific analysis, and thought-provoking critique creates a captivating narrative that challenges readers to question established beliefs. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in deepening their understanding of the scientific exploration of evolution.

First Page:

Evolution, Old & New

"The want of a practical acquaintance with Natural History leads the author to take an erroneous view of the bearing of his own theories on those of Mr. Darwin. Review of 'Life and Habit,' by Mr. A. R. Wallace, in 'Nature,' March 27, 1879.

"Neither lastly would our observer be driven out of his conclusion, or from his confidence in its truth, by being told that he knows nothing at all about the matter. He knows enough for his argument; he knows the utility of the end; he knows the subserviency and adaptation of the means to the end. These points being known, his ignorance concerning other points, his doubts concerning other points, affect not the certainty of his reasoning. The consciousness of knowing little need not beget a distrust of that which he does know."

Paley's ' Natural Theology ,' chap. i.

Evolution, Old & New

Or the Theories of Buffon, Dr. Erasmus Darwin and Lamarck, as compared with that of Charles Darwin

Samuel Butler

New York E. P. Dutton & Company 681 Fifth Avenue

Made and printed in Great Britain

NOTE

The demand for a new edition of "Evolution, Old and New," gives me an opportunity of publishing Butler's latest revision of his work... Continue reading book >>

Genres for this book
History
Science

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