Darwin's Ghosts: The Secret History of Evolution in Science and Inquiry

Jan 23, 2013 David Rubenstein rated it really liked it

Shelves: science, evolution, history

This book describes the lives and discoveries of a number of people who Darwin thought may have had some impact on the theory of evolution. Some of the earliest, such as Aristotle, actually had no concept of evolution. During the 1700's and early 1800's, several people developed ideas about evolution. However, only a couple--most notably Alfred Wallace--developed any concept of the mechanism of natural selection.

It surprised me that Charles Darwin's grandfather, Erasmus Darwin, was also a propon ...more

23 likes · Like · see review

Jul 13, 2012 Patricrk patrick rated it really liked it

Shelves: science, non-fiction

All great ideas have precursors. Here are some of those who preceeded Darwins. The idea was around for a long time but religious and main stream science opposition was always strong so proponents had to be cautious.

Like · see review

May 04, 2015 Kathy rated it really liked it

Shelves: x-feb-15-thru-jan-16, read-non-fiction, read-science

We all know that Charles Darwin did invent/discover the theory of evolution but that the concept had evolved over time from many different philosophers and scientists. Stott tells us all about those who had toyed with the idea before Darwin (and Alfred Wallace) burst into print with a developed landscape, or rather I suppose "timescape." She adds a host of interesting detail concerning science, history, even some literature and offers a great cast of characters. ...more

Like · see review