Subject
Variation (Biology) Books
Best books
Charles Darwin
The Variation of Animals and Plants under Domestication
"The Variation of Animals and Plants under Domestication" by Charles Darwin is a two-volume work published in January 1868. Drawing on thirteen years of breeding experiments and extensive correspondence, Darwin presents detailed observations on domesticated species—from pigeons to plants. The book also introduces his controversial theory of heredity called pangenesis, which attempts to explain how traits pass from parents to offspring. Though Darwin himself felt "nauseated" rereading his own pages, this exhaustive study laid groundwork for understanding biological inheritance and represented years of painstaking labor beyond his famous Origin of Species.
Charles Darwin
The Variation of Animals and Plants Under Domestication, Vol. I.
"The Variation of Animals and Plants Under Domestication, Vol. I." by Charles Darwin is a two-volume work published in January 1868. This comprehensive study presents detailed observations on domesticated animals and plants, drawing from Darwin's years of breeding experiments and correspondence with fellow naturalists. The work also introduces his controversial theory of heredity called pangenesis. Written over four years following "On the Origin of Species," the book represents Darwin's attempt to provide the detailed evidence and facts supporting his evolutionary conclusions, though he found the writing process exhausting.
Thomas Vernon Wollaston
On the Variation of Species, with Especial Reference to the Insecta Followed by an Inquiry into the Nature of Genera
"On the Variation of Species, with Especial Reference to the Insecta" by T. Vernon Wollaston is a scientific publication written in the mid-19th century. This treatise focuses on the variations observed in insect species, particularly those found in the Madeira Islands, and aims to address the significance of environmental influences on these variations. It serves as a call for naturalists to better understand and explore the complexities surrounding insect classification, specifically the differentiation between species and varieties. The opening of this work sets the stage for an in-depth discussion on the factors that contribute to insect variation, emphasizing the importance of external conditions like climate, geography, and ecological contexts. Wollaston begins with reflections on the inexhaustible nature of true knowledge in natural history and asserts that the understanding of species relies heavily on recognizing the impact of external factors. He introduces the complex interplay of climatic and geological factors in shaping insect characteristics, suggesting that variations previously overlooked deserve more serious investigation. The preface outlines his goal of making this intricate subject accessible to general naturalists, which becomes a recurring theme as he calls for more attention to the diverse influences on insect variation.
Charles Darwin
The Variation of Animals and Plants Under Domestication, Volume II (of 2)
"The Variation of Animals and Plants Under Domestication, Volume II (of 2)" by Charles Darwin is a scientific work published in 1868. This comprehensive study examines how animals and plants change through selective breeding and domestication. Darwin presents detailed observations from years of experiments and correspondence with breeders worldwide. The work also introduces his theory of heredity called pangenesis, attempting to explain how traits pass from parents to offspring. This massive undertaking represents over four years of intensive labor, laying groundwork for Darwin's later explorations of human evolution and emotional expression.
Charles Darwin
The Variation of Animals and Plants under Domestication — Volume 2
"The Variation of Animals and Plants under Domestication — Volume 2" by Charles Darwin is a scientific work published in 1868. This comprehensive study presents detailed observations on domesticated animals and plants, documenting Darwin's extensive breeding experiments and correspondence with fellow naturalists. The work introduces Darwin's controversial theory of heredity called pangenesis, which he developed over many years. Born from material originally intended for a larger manuscript, this book represents over four years of intensive labor, combining practical experimentation with theoretical insight into how traits pass from parents to offspring.
Charles Darwin
The Variation of Animals and Plants under Domestication — Volume 1
"The Variation of Animals and Plants under Domestication — Volume 1" by Charles Darwin is a scientific work published in January 1868. This extensive study examines how animals and plants change through selective breeding and domestication. Darwin presents detailed observations from years of experiments and correspondence with breeders worldwide. The book also introduces his controversial theory of heredity called pangenesis. Written over four years of intense labor, this work represents Darwin's attempt to provide the factual foundation promised in "On the Origin of Species," though he privately worried about its reception.
William Bateson
Problems of Genetics
"Problems of Genetics" by William Bateson is a scientific publication written in the early 20th century. The book explores the foundational concepts of genetics, particularly focusing on the phenomena of variation and heredity through the lens of Mendelian methods. Bateson dives into the critical examination of biological principles, seeking to provide insights on the relationship between genetics and the theory of evolution. At the start of the book, Bateson introduces the context of his lectures, expressing the importance of investigating variation and heredity as crucial components for understanding evolution. He reflects on the historical views on species and varieties, emphasizing the need for more rigorous analysis to overcome the vague definitions that have traditionally surrounded these concepts. By rediscovering Mendel's work, he argues for a systematic inquiry into genetic phenomena, asserting that the regularity and distinctions found in variations can shed light on the fundamental characteristics of living organisms. This opening portion sets the stage for a more detailed discussion of genetic factors and the implications for evolution, inviting readers into a complex yet fascinating discussion of biology.
W. P. (William Platt) Ball
Are the Effects of Use and Disuse Inherited? An Examination of the View Held by Spencer and Darwin
"Are the Effects of Use and Disuse Inherited?" by William Platt Ball is a scientific publication written in the late 19th century. The work critically examines the contrasting views of evolutionary theorists Herbert Spencer and Charles Darwin regarding the inheritance of acquired characteristics. The central topic of the book revolves around the inquiry into whether traits developed during an organism's life (due to use or disuse) can be passed down to subsequent generations, a concept that has significant implications for the understanding of evolution and heredity. The opening of the text establishes the importance of the scientific inquiry at hand, emphasizing its implications on morality and society as inspired by thinkers like Herbert Spencer. Ball expresses his gratitude to influential figures who guided him through his exploration of this contentious issue, setting the stage for his argument against the notion that acquired traits are inherited. He introduces the broader context of the debate over evolution, touching on natural selection and the arguments posited by his contemporaries like Spencer and Darwin, positioning the discussion as vital not only to biological understanding but also to social and moral considerations regarding the progress of humanity.
August Weismann
On Germinal Selection as a Source of Definite Variation
"On Germinal Selection as a Source of Definite Variation" by August Weismann is a scientific publication written in the late 19th century. The work discusses the theory of germinal selection as a mechanism of evolution, aiming to clarify and expand upon the principles of natural selection originally proposed by Darwin and Wallace. Weismann seeks to argue that variation and adaptation arise not purely from random chance but through underlying processes connected to the germinal elements of organisms, which can direct the course of evolution. The opening of this work presents the author's preliminary arguments and the context for his theory. Weismann introduces the concept of germinal selection, which posits an internal mechanism that influences the direction of variation in response to external environmental pressures. He discusses the criticisms of conventional selection theories and emphasizes the importance of exploring deeper biological mechanisms, arguing that understanding the role of germs and determinants is essential for explaining how useful variations arise and how organisms adapt to their environments over generations. The preface sets the stage for a detailed analysis of heredity, variation, and selection, showcasing Weismann's ambition to enhance the discourse on evolutionary biology.
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