Modern Aspects of Evolution

Abstract

THIS volume represents the mature thought of an accomplished ichthyologist and traveller who speaks from the point of view of a naturalist and field observer and marshals, in the first nine chapters, all the difficulties that have arisen through field observation in the original concept of Darwinism. The title “Nomogenesis” signifies “evolution determined by law” rather than by selection from the accidents of variation. In the opinion of the author and in the language of Prof. D'Arcy Thompson, who writes the introduction, “No place is left for Chance in the manifestation of new characters; the course of evolution is fixed and determined. The same laws are at work in the growth of the individual as operated with like results in former generations; and what we call ‘recapitulation’ means nothing more.”

Nomogenesis: or Evolution determined by Law.

By Prof. Leo S. Berg. Translated from the Russian by J. N. Rostovtsow. Pp. xviii + 477. (London: Constable and Co., Ltd., 1926.) 28s. net.