THE splendour of our Sussex Weald, with its shady forests and lovely gardens, around which rise the majestic Downs sweeping in long graceful curves marked by the history of our race, has charmed me during these sunny days of June. The orchids, the water-lilies, the engaging and quaintly named "petty whin," and the pink rattle are joined with the tall foxgloves and elder-blossoms in my memory. And for some reason—perhaps it is the heat—I am set thinking of very different scenes—the great, c...

The delight which is experienced by those who discover new things in the various branches of science is, no doubt, very great. To reveal to other men processes, properties, existences in the natural world hitherto unsuspected, or, if suspected, yet eluding the grasp of man, is to do something which gives to him who does it a sense that he is of value in the world—a sense which will uphold him and enable him to endure adversity, and even persecution, with equanimity. But there is, perhaps, ...

THE present volume is, like its predecessors, "Science from an Easy Chair" (Series I and Series II) and "Diversions of a Naturalist"—mainly a revision and reprint—with considerable additions—of articles published in daily or weekly journals. The first chapter appeared originally in "The Field." The Chapters VI, XX, XXI, and XXII were published in the "Illustrated London News," under the title "About a Number of Things." The rest are some of the articles which, as "Science from an Easy Chai...

I am writing in early September from Interlaken, one of the loveliest spots in Europe when blessed with a full blaze of sunlight and only a few high-floating clouds, but absolutely detestable in dull, rainy weather, losing its beauty as the fairy scenes of a theatre do when viewed by dreary daylight. It is the case of the little girl of whom it is recorded that "When she was good she was very good, and when she was not she was horrid." This morning, after four days' misconduct, Interlaken ...

It has become more and more a matter of conviction to me—and I believe that I share that conviction with a large body of fellow students both in this country and other civilized states—that the time has arrived when the true relation of Nature to Man has been so clearly ascertained that it should be more generally known than is at present the case, and that this knowledge should form far more largely than it does at this moment, the object of human activity and endeavour,—that it should be...

This volume consists of brief notes in plain language on a variety of scientific matters. I speak of new discoveries, real or so-called by mistake; of old well-established facts and explanations of strange occurrences which are more familiar to men of science than to people who have not had the time and opportunity to ascertain what is, and what is not proved and known about Nature and her ways. I do not address my reader from the professor’s chair, but from an easy chair. Just as in the c...

Ernst Haeckel's seminal work, "The History of Creation" (Vol. 1 & 2), explores the intricate narrative of life's evolution from primordial origins to complex forms. Written in the late 19th century, Haeckel employs a richly descriptive style, blending scientific inquiry with philosophical reflections. His text is grounded in the burgeoning field of evolutionary biology, integrating ideas from Darwinian theory while also grappling with the implications of these revelations on contemporary t...

In "Nature and Man," Edwin Ray Lankester embarks on an intricate exploration of the interdependence between humanity and the natural world. Written in an accessible yet erudite literary style, the book deftly weaves together scientific observations with philosophical reflections, emphasizing the biological foundations of human existence and the moral implications of our relationship with the environment. Lankester employs a rich narrative, punctuated by vivid descriptions and a staunch adv...

In "Degeneration: A Chapter in Darwinism," Sir E. Ray Lankester explores the darker facets of evolutionary theory, particularly the phenomenon of degeneration as it pertains to species' adaptability. Lankester's prose marries scientific rigor with literary elegance, encapsulating complex ideas in an engaging manner. By situating degeneration within the broader framework of Darwinian thought, he reflects on its implications for biological and social evolution, addressing concepts including ...

In "The History of Creation (Vol. 1 & 2)," Ernst Haeckel embarks on a meticulous exploration of biological evolution, interweaving scientific inquiry with philosophical musings. Written in the late 19th century, this work exemplifies the burgeoning interest in natural sciences and the implications of Darwinian theory. Haeckel's prose is characterized by its vivid imagery and accessible language, which seeks to bridge the gap between complex scientific concepts and the general public. He sy...

In Ernst Haeckel's renowned work, 'The History of Creation,' readers are taken on a journey through the evolution of life on Earth, from its earliest forms to the complexity of modern species. Written in a detailed and scientific style, Haeckel's book provides a comprehensive overview of the process of evolution and the interconnectedness of all living organisms. With meticulous illustrations and thorough explanations, this book is a pivotal text in the field of biology and evolutionary th...

The History of Creation is a book by German scientist Ernst Haeckel, which deals with issues of creation and evolution under influence of Charles Darwin. The book did a great deal to further explain "Darwinism" and widens the theory to the world. Haeckel argued that human evolution consisted of precisely 22 phases, the 21st – the "missing link" – being a halfway step between apes and humans. He even formally named this missing link Pithecanthropus alalus, translated as "ape man without spe...