George John Romanes and the Struggle for Darwin's Mantle

Résumé du livre

George John Romanes was a disciple and close associate of Charles Darwin for several years before the death of the latter. In the late nineteenth century, Romanes came to be regarded as the most important follower of Darwin. His topmost contribution to evolution theory was the hypothesis of Physiological Selection, a mechanism that would explain speciation without geographical isolation. This work was presented to the Linnean Society in 1886, and produced a mixed reaction. Several evolutionists (such as Alfred Russel Wallace) regarded the proposal as completely wrong. There was, however, a wide repercussion. On Monday, August 16th 1886, the London Times published a short description of Romanes' ideas and commented: "Mr. George Romanes appears to be the biological investigator upon whom in England the mantle of Mr. Darwin has most conspicuously descended. During many years he frequently and exhaustively discussed the whole philosophy of evolution with the distinguished author of 'The Origin of Species,' and thus he is in the best position for continuing and extending his work, fortified by the latest arguments, observations, and admissions of that singularly candid mind." The first part of this book contains a scientific biography of George John Romanes, with special emphasis on his connection with Darwin and evolution theory, showing his struggle to become the leader of evolutionary thought after the death of the master. The second part of the book contains Romanes' 1886 article on physiological selection, complemented by several footnotes providing additional information.