Author
A. C. (Albert Charles) Seward
1863-1941
A. C. (Albert Charles) Seward (1863-1941) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
WikipediaSubjects
Books by A. C. (Albert Charles) Seward
Fossil plants, Vol. 2 : $b A text-book for students of botany and geology
"Fossil Plants, Vol. 2: A Text-book for Students of Botany and Geology" by A. C. Seward is a scientific publication written in the early 20th century. This volume serves as an advanced text for students delving deeper into the study of fossil plants, particularly focusing on the structural and anatomical features of various plant groups that have existed throughout geological history. The opening of this text sets the stage for an in-depth exploration of fossil botanicals, with an acknowledgment of the considerable advancements in paleobotany that necessitated a revised understanding of several plant families, particularly ferns and extinct gymnosperms. Seward discusses the complexity of fossil data, including challenges in categorizing certain genera based on incomplete specimens, and outlines the original scope of the book, which necessitated a third volume due to its ambitious nature. This introductory portion emphasizes the importance of collaboration and the evolving nature of botanical research, as Seward hints at the intricacies involved in studying plant evolution through the fossil record.
Fossil plants, Vol. 1 : $b [A text-book] for students of botany and geology
"Fossil Plants, Vol. 1: [A Text-book] for Students of Botany and Geology" by A. C. Seward is a scientific publication written in the late 19th century. This work is part of the Cambridge Natural Science Manuals and focuses on the study of fossilized plants, offering insights and knowledge for students interested in botany and geology alike. The book aims to make the complex subject of Palaeobotany more accessible, particularly for those who are not deeply versed in the technical terminologies of either field. The opening of the text presents a preface in which the author acknowledges the challenge of covering Palaeobotany adequately for an audience of varying expertise in geology and botany. Seward reflects on the historical development of the science, illustrating the evolution of thought surrounding the study of fossil plants and their importance in understanding both past ecological conditions and the history of plant evolution. He sets the stage for a detailed examination of fossil types, the significance of plant evolution and fossilization processes, making a case for the interdisciplinary nature of this field of study.
Darwin and Modern Science
"Darwin and Modern Science" by A. C. Seward is a collection of essays commemorating the centenary of Charles Darwin's birth and the fiftieth anniversary of the publication of "The Origin of Species," written in the early 20th century. The work unites contributions from various authors, each addressing different aspects of Darwin's influence and legacy in science, particularly in the fields of biology, philosophy, and the humanities, illuminating the enduring impact of Darwin's ideas on modern scientific thought and research. The opening of the book provides insight into its purpose and the scholarly community's efforts behind it. A preface outlines the ambition to present essays that not only celebrate Darwin's contributions but also reflect on contemporary scientific attitudes towards his theories. The introductory letter by Sir Joseph Dalton Hooker highlights the significance of the essays in exploring Darwin's relationship with his predecessors and the evolution of thoughts surrounding natural selection, organic evolution, and the interdisciplinary implications of Darwin's work. Throughout these early chapters, the groundwork is laid for a comprehensive examination of Darwin's lasting impact, setting the stage for deeper discussions in subsequent essays.
Fossil plants, Vol. 3 : $b A text-book for students of botany and geology
"Fossil plants, Vol. 3 : A text-book for students of botany and geology" by Seward is a scientific textbook written in the early 20th century. It concentrates on fossil gymnosperms—especially seed ferns (Pteridospermeae), cycad-like plants, cordaites, and Bennettitales—using comparative anatomy, morphology, and systematics, with frequent reference to living cycads to frame evolutionary interpretations. The volume is aimed at students of botany and geology and is richly illustrated. The opening of the volume sets its scope in a preface that explains the emphasis on gymnosperms and postpones a global survey of past floras, then launches into a detailed primer on living Cycadales to prepare readers for fossil comparisons. This primer covers cycad habit and diversity, distribution, fronds and stems, reproductive structures (dioecious strobili versus the free megasporophylls of Cycas), seed structure with pollen chambers and motile sperm, probable insect pollination, and distinctive anatomy such as manoxylic wood, multiple cambial rings, and girdle leaf-traces; it also outlines the main tribes and genera (Cycas, Zamia, Dioon, Encephalartos, Ceratozamia, Macrozamia, Microcycas, Stangeria, Bowenia). The text then moves into the Pteridosperms with Lyginopteris oldhamia, clarifying nomenclatural history (preferring Lyginopteris over Lyginodendron for certain casts) and summarizing stem anatomy: a large pith, broad secondary xylem with prominent medullary rays, mesarch leaf-trace bundles, and a reticulate cortical stereome, setting the stage for linking stems, fronds, and seeds (Lagenostoma).
Links With the Past in the Plant World
"Links With the Past in the Plant World" by A. C. Seward is a scientific publication written in the early 20th century. The book addresses the antiquity of existing plant species and explores the connections between modern flora and their prehistoric ancestors, utilizing geological evidence to illustrate these relationships. It aims to engage readers already interested in botany and to encourage further study of the history of plants. The opening of the book sets the stage for an exploration of plant longevity and the ancient lineage of various species. A.C. Seward begins by reflecting on the lifespan of trees and contrasting it with human history, establishing a theme of continuity between the past and present within the plant kingdom. He illustrates the deep connections between modern trees and their historical counterparts, discussing specific examples of notable ancient trees and their longevity, while emphasizing the remarkable capacity of certain plants to endure through geological timeframes. Overall, the beginning invites readers to contemplate the intricate links between living plants and their deep-rooted histories, foreshadowing a detailed examination of plant evolution throughout the work.