On the Genesis of Species

by St. George Jackson Mivart

"On the Genesis of Species" by St. George Jackson Mivart is a scientific publication written in the late 19th century. The work explores the origins and development of various species, engaging critically with Darwinian evolution and arguing for the inadequacies of "Natural Selection" as a comprehensive explanation for the complexities of species genesis. Mivart seeks to integrate his findings with theological and philosophical perspectives on evolution. The opening of the text introduces Mivart's central argument regarding the genesis of species, emphasizing the importance and challenges surrounding understanding how new species arise. He acknowledges the contributions of Charles Darwin and Alfred Wallace while proposing that a synthesis of various scientific, philosophical, and religious views could lead to a more comprehensive understanding of evolution. Mivart outlines the key aspects of the Darwinian theory, but suggests that it requires supplementation by other, as yet undiscovered, natural laws. He highlights the complexities and obscurities involved in the birth of a species and sets the stage for further examination of these topics throughout the publication.