Abstract
THE author of this book does not pretend to make his readers acquainted with new facts and ideas. His object is to present a popular exposition of the theory of evolution, using the word evolution in its widest sense. The work is divided into two parts—one descriptive, the other explanatory. In the descriptive part he begins with a chapter on matter and power. He then considers the distribution of matter in space, and gives a general account of the sun and the planets, of the past life-history of the earth, and of present life-forms. In the explanatory part he discusses the questions relating to inorganic evolution and to the origin of life and life-forms, and sets forth in logical order the arguments which are held to establish the truth of Darwin's theory of the origin and development of species. A final chapter is devoted to social evolution, including the evolution of mind, society, language, art and science, morals, and theology. The book is vigorously written, and well illustrated; and readers who have had no special scientific training will find that it enables them to understand and appreciate some of the greatest and most fruitful generalizations of modern science.
The Story of Creation.
By Edward Clodd. (London: Longmans, Green, and Co., 1888.)
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[Book Reviews]. Nature 37, 388 (1888). https://doi.org/10.1038/037388c0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/037388c0