(1) The Doctrine of Evolution: its Basis and its Scope (2) Einführung in die Deszendenztheorie Fnfunddreissig Vorträge

Abstract

(1) PROF. CRAMPTON has written a careful and interesting introduction to the study of evolution in the wide sense. It consists of eight lectures given in New York to “mature persons of cultivated minds, but who were on the whole quite unfamiliar with the technical facts of natural history,” and for such an audience, which is certainly widespread, the book can be strongly recommended. But even those who know a good deal of natural history may read Prof. Crampton's lectures with great profit, for although they have not perhaps the keenness which marked the author's important contribution to the theory of natural selection (his study of Philosamia cynthia), they are characterised by scientific restraint, by careful workmanship, and by a wide outlook. The outstanding feature of the book is that half of it is devoted to the higher reaches of the evolution-process—to the ascent of man and the establishment of human societies.

(1) The Doctrine of Evolution: its Basis and its Scope.

By Prof. H. E. Crampton. Pp. ix + 311. (New York: The Columbia University Press, 1911.) Price 6s. 6d. net.

(2) Einfhrung in die Deszendenztheorie. Fnfunddreissig Vortr ge.

By Prof. Karl C. Schneider. Zweite Auflage. Pp. xii + 386 + 3 Taf. (Jena: Gustav Fischer, 1911.) Price 9.50 marks.