The Science of Life: An outline of the history of biology and its recent advances by J. Arthur Thomson is a comprehensive book that delves into the evolution of the field of biology from its foundations to the modern era.
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| The Science of Life |
The book begins with an overview of the history of biology, starting with Aristotle and the dormant period that followed his work.
It then explores the scientific renaissance and the contributions of legendary biologists, leading up to the encyclopedists and the impact of Darwinian and post-Darwinian thought.
The book dedicates significant attention to the classification of animals and plants, discussing the meaning of classification and the evolution of different systems over time. From early classifications to the development of the natural system, the author highlights key figures such as Aristotle, Linnaeus, Lamarck, and Cuvier, and their contributions to the field.
The study of structure, both in animal and plant morphology, is a central theme in the book.
The author traces the foundations of comparative anatomy laid by Aristotle and the rise of physiological morphology. Figures such as Cuvier, Richard Owen, Huxley, and Haeckel are discussed in detail, along with the criteria of homology and physiological morphology.
In the study of plant morphology, the book explores early anticipations, the development of exact morphology, and the study of algae, fungi, and lichens. The author discusses the significance of metamorphosis in flowering plants, the contributions of Wolff, Goethe, and the study of comparative embryology.
Overall, The Science of Life provides a detailed overview of the history of biology, highlighting key figures and developments that have shaped the field. It illustrates the attitude of modern biologists by referencing specific problems and individuals, and dedicates ample space to the treatment of the subject in Darwinian and post-Darwinian days.
