The Origin Of Species
by Charles Darwin
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Book Summary Information
Author: Charles DarwinIntroduction: Julian Huxley
Edition: Paperback
Published: 2003-09-02
ISBN: 0451529065
Number of pages: 496
Publisher: Signet Classics
Book Reviews of The Origin Of Species
Book Review: There is no substitute for reading the master himself
Summary: 5 Stars
The readers with some science background will not only be amazed, but also charmed by this work. Any lingering doubt about the extent of Darwin's field and bench research will dissolve after seeing the enormous amount of biological observation this man accomplished. The small fraction of such observations he chose to include in "Origin" are responsible for the book's length, but serve as thorough, but lovely, illustrations to the development of his theory of natural selection. Those with less science background can ask readers with more science learning about the accuracy of the above statement. In any case, how Darwin "connected the dots" midway throughout the 19th century is nothing short of astonishing.
You must keep in mind as you read through this book that the science of genetics, inheritance, geological plate tectonics, and atomic nuclear structure were unknown at Darwin's time. Even more unknown were various molecular biosciences of the later 20th century. Nevertheless Darwin, the amateur scientist, put the mental pieces for natural selection together from his own vast research and other known science of the times such as geology, paleontology, embryology, etc. In the introduction of "Origin" Darwin outlines the four basic statements of natural selection in simple terms - as are most scientific theories.
A myth easily put to rest while reading "Origin" is that the author was a man reluctant to do battle with his opponents and skeptics. Not so. One finishes the book having seen dozens of passages openly challenging all comers on one point or another! Remembering that Charles Darwin was a Victorian gentleman (in the very best sense: love of learning, seeking truths, persistence, striving), it becomes clear why he inherently would think that natural selection would be a process of improvement, and would take very long amounts of time. This was part of the Victorian ethic. He said in his book that natural selection was an unthinking, undirected, unmotivated process, but in his heart he clearly liked the "improvement" thought. This should be a small concession to a real genius.
Summary of The Origin Of Species
The book that shook the worldFirst time from Signet Classic
This is the book that revolutionized the natural sciences and every literary, philosophical and religious thinker who followed. Darwin's theory of evolution and the descent of man remains as controversial and influential today as when it was published over a century ago.
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