First published in 1871 and considered his other great work alongside “The Origin of Species,” Darwin’s “The Descent of Man” is a work that continues the scientist’s theories on evolution. Divided into three parts, this book’s purpose, as given in the introduction, is to consider whether or not man is descended from a pre-existing form, his manner of development, and the value of the differences between human races. Darwin goes on to systematically explore the evolution of man in terms of physical and mental traits, to condemn the debate on whether humans of different races were of different species, to expound his theory of sexual selection, and to address natural selection and its effect on civilized society, establishing some of the founding ideas on eugenics and what has come to be known as Social Darwinism. Still of great interest and importance in scientific thought today, “The Descent of Man” is a foundational text on the science of human evolution. This edition includes a biographical afterword.
Also known as Charles Darwin’s “Journal of Researches,” “The Voyage of the Beagle” is an exquisite travel memoir, a detailed scientific journal, and the foundation for one of the most important scientific discoveries of the 19th century. It is the account of Darwin’s time aboard the HMS Beagle, which set sail from Plymouth Sound on December 27, 1831 under the command of Captain Robert FitzRoy. Published in 1839 along with other accounts of the voyage, Darwin’s scientific volume makes many detailed and brilliant observations in the fields of biology, geology, and anthropology; observations that would later lay the groundwork for his theory of evolution by natural selection. The Beagle’s trip of exploration and discovery was originally planned to last for only two years, but instead lasted nearly five years. Darwin used this time to exhaustively observe and record the flora and fauna he found on land and at sea. Captured in fascinating detail are the volcanoes and unusual animals of the Galapagos, the mesmerizing coral reefs of Australia, and the rugged beauty of Patagonia. A classic and pivotal scientific work, “The Voyage of the Beagle” provides powerful insight into the observations that led Darwin to his groundbreaking theories. This edition includes a biographical afterword.
On the Origin of Species (or more completely, On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection, or the Preservation of Favoured Races in the Struggle for Life), published in 1859, is a work of scientific literature by Charles Darwin which is considered to be the foundation of evolutionary biology. Darwin's book introduced the scientific theory that populations evolve over the course of generations through a process of natural selection. It presented a body of evidence that the diversity of life arose by common descent through a branching pattern of evolution. Darwin included evidence that he had gathered on the Beagle expedition in the 1830s and his subsequent findings from research, correspondence, and experimentation.
In this highly readable study, one of the great pioneers of modern science examines how people and animals display varieties of emotions via their facial expressions. British naturalist Charles Darwin–who expounded the theory of evolution by natural selection, the principle that launched a scientific revolution—based this survey on his personal observations. Most of his findings were proven by later research, and today's behavioral scientists continue to draw upon this work for both knowledge and inspiration.A bestseller when it was first published in 1872, Darwin's inquiry addresses issues related to human origins and psychology in terms of evolutionary values. His methods include the study of facial expressions in infants and children, the insane, animals, painting and sculpture, and among people in different cultures. Also notable is the fact that this is one of the first books to employ photographs in the interests of science. Abounding in anecdotes and literary quotations, the work offers a direct approach that makes it accessible to professionals and amateurs alike—in fact, to anyone with an inquiring mind.
"The Origin is one of the most important books ever published, and a knowledge of it should be a part of the intellectual equipment of every educated person. . . . The book will endure in future ages so long as a knowledge of science persists among mankind." — NatureIt took Charles Darwin more than twenty years to publish this book, in part because he realized that it would ignite a firestorm of controversy. On the Origin of Species first appeared in 1859, and it remains a continuing source of conflict to this day. Even among those who reject its ideas, however, the work's impact is undeniable. In science, philosophy, and theology, this is a book that changed the world.In addition to its status as the focus of a dramatic turning point in scientific thought, On the Origin of Species stands as a remarkably readable study. Carefully reasoned and well-documented in its arguments, the work offers coherent views of natural selection, adaptation, the struggle for existence, survival of the fittest, and other concepts that form the foundation of modern evolutionary theory. This volume is a reprint of the critically acclaimed first edition.
Collected in this edition is the early autobiographical fragment written by Charles Darwin in 1838 along with his official autobiography which was first published in 1887, five years after his death. His controversial theory of evolution, which asserted that all of life on earth descended from common ancestors through a process of natural selection, subjected him to much criticism in his lifetime but would ultimately place him amongst the most important figures in the history of science. «Autobiographies» gives a personal insight into the life of Charles Darwin from his time at Cambridge University, to his landmark naturalist expedition during the voyage of the «HMS Beagle», and his life that followed in England. This document of one the world's most important naturalists is a must read for any student of the history of science and gives a firsthand account of the impact that a truly revolutionary theory can have.
The Beagle referred to in «The Voyage of the Beagle» is the HMS Beagle, which set sail from Plymouth Sound on December 27th, 1831 under the command of captain Robert FitzRoy. Also known as Darwin's «Journal of Researches», this book is an exquisite travel memoir as well as a detailed scientific journal in which Darwin makes many observations in the fields of biology, geology, and anthropology; observations that would later lay the groundwork for his theory of evolution by natural selection. A classic scientific work, «The Voyage of the Beagle» provides powerful insight into the observations that led Darwin to his groundbreaking theories.
Charles Darwin's groundbreaking work of evolutionary biology, «The Origin of Species» introduces the scientific theory of evolution, which posits that species evolve over a period of many generations through a process of natural selection. Considered controversial even to this day because of its contradicting position to creationist theory, Darwin's theories have been widely embraced by the scientific community as fact and have laid the foundation for subsequent major advances in the field of biology. «The Origin of Species» is arguably one of the most important scientific treatises ever written.
The Origin of Species is the landmark book that for better of worse put science and religion at odds. Very few people who have read this book and come away not believing in evolution. The detail of research is even by today's standards stunning; and the writing is still eminently readable. Second only to the Bible in its scope of influence, this book is a pertinent today as when it was first written.