The Coming of Evolution: The Story of a Great Revolution in Science

by John W. (John Wesley) Judd

"The Coming of Evolution: The Story of a Great Revolution in Science" by John W. Judd is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book explores the profound shift in scientific thought regarding evolution that took place during the 19th century, highlighting the figures and ideas that contributed to this transformation. Judd aims to document how evolutionary concepts transitioned from being dismissed as mere speculation to becoming foundational principles in fields such as biology, geology, and even theology. The opening of the book provides an introduction to the notion of evolution as a central theme in scientific advancement during the 19th century, describing how initial theories faced resistance and skepticism from the broader scientific community and society at large. Judd recounts his personal connections with influential scientists of the time, including Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace, and outlines the collaborative intellectual environment that fostered evolutionary thought. The author stresses the importance of empirical evidence and reasoned inquiry as the true engines of scientific progress, setting the stage for a detailed examination of the evolution of these revolutionary ideas throughout the ensuing chapters.