Evolution, old and new ; or, the theories of Buffon, Dr. Erasmus Darwin, and Lamarck, as compared with that of Mr. Charles Darwin

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Butler, Samuel, 1835-1902, author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Evolution--History.

Evolution.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (384 pages)

1 online resource

Place of Publication:

London D. Bogue 1882

Summary:

Of all the questions now engaging the attention of those whose destiny has commanded them to take more or less exercise of mind, I know of none more interesting than that which deals with what is called teleology--that is to say, with design or purpose, as evidenced by the different parts of animals and plants. The question may be briefly stated thus: Can we or can we not see signs in the structure of animals and plants, of something which carries with it the idea of contrivance so strongly that it is impossible for us to think of the structure, without at the same time thinking of contrivance, or design, in connection with it? It is my object in the present work to answer this question in the affirmative, and to lead my reader to agree with me, perhaps mainly, by following the history of that opinion which is now supposed to be fatal to a purposive view of animal and vegetable organs. I refer to the theory of evolution or descent with modification. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved).

Contents:

Statement of the question. Current opinion adverse to teleology.

The teleology of Paley and the theologians.

Impotence op Paley's conclusion

The teleology of the evolutionist.

Failure of the first evolutionists to see their position as teleological.

The teleological evolution of organism

The philosophy of the unconscious.

Scheme of the remainder of the work. Historical sketch of the theory of evolution.

Pre-Buffonian evolution, and some German writers.

Buffon

Memoir.

Buffon's method

The ironical character of his work.

Supposed fluctuations of opinion

Causes or means of the transformation of species.

Fuller quotations.

Sketch of Dr. Erasmus Darwin's life.

Philosophy of Dr. Erasmus Darwin.

Fuller quotations from the 'Zoonomia'

Memoir of Lamarck.

General misconception concerning Lamarck

His philosophical position.

Summary of the 'Philosophie Zoologique'

Mr. Patrick Matthew, MM. Étienne and Isidore Geoffroy St. Hilaire, and Mr. Herbert Spencer.

Main points of agreement and of difference between the old and new theories of evolution.

Natural selection considered as a means of modification

The confusion which this expression occasions.

Mr. Darwin's defence of the expression, natural selection

Professor Mivart and natural selection.

The case of the Madeira beetles as illustrating the difference between the evolution of Lamarck and of Mr. Charles Darwin

Conclusion.

Notes:

Description based on publisher supplied metadata and other sources.