CHARLES DARWIN, página 6 de 16

Charles Robert Darwin was an English naturalist and geologist, best known for his contributions to the science of evolution. He established that all species of life have descended over time from common ancestors, and in a joint publication with Alfred Russel Wallace introduced his scientific theory that this branching pattern of evolution resulted from a process that he called natural selection, in which the struggle for existence has a similar effect to the artificial selection involved in selective breeding.Darwin published his theory of evolution with compelling evidence in his 1859 book On the Origin of Species, overcoming scientific rejection of earlier concepts of transmutation of species. By the 1870s, the scientific community and much of the general public had accepted evolution as a fact. However, many favoured competing explanations and it was not until the emergence of the modern evolutionary synthesis from the 1930s to the 1950s that a broad consensus developed in which natural selection was the basic mechanism of evolution. In modified form, Darwins scientific discovery is the unifying theory of the life sciences, explaining the diversity of life.Darwins early interest in nature led him to neglect his medical education at the University of Edinburgh; instead, he helped to investigate marine invertebrates. Studies at the University of Cambridge (Christs College) encouraged his passion for natural science. His five-year voyage on HMS Beagle established him as an eminent geologist whose observations and theories supported Charles Lyells uniformitarian ideas, and publication of his journal of the voyage made him famous as a popular author.

Editor: Francis Darwin and A.C. Seward

In "The Formation of Vegetable Mould Through the Action of Worms," Charles Darwin presents a meticulous exploration of how earthworms contribute to the formation of soil and the overall health of terrestrial ecosystems. Written in DarwinAos signature analytical style, the book combines empirical observation with reflective inquiry, providing a groundbreaking view of soil ecology. The work is not only a study of the biological and chemical processes at play but also a philosophical meditation on the interconnectedness of life, brilliantly situated within the context of Darwins broader theories of evolution and natural selection. Charles Darwin, renowned for his revolutionary contributions to biology, was deeply influenced by his extensive observations of nature during his voyages and scientific endeavors. His fascination with the natural world, coupled with his methodological approach to scientific inquiry, led him to investigate the often-overlooked role of earthworms in soil formation. This work underscores his belief in the gradual processes of change in nature and highlights his commitment to understanding the intricacies of ecological relationships. This book is highly recommended for readers interested in ecology, environmental science, or the history of scientific thought. Darwins eloquent prose and insightful observations make complex scientific principles accessible, inviting readers to reconsider the hidden processes that sustain our planet. Dive into this classic work to appreciate the profound impact of earthworms and their vital role in our ecosystems.

Este nuevo título de la Biblioteca darwiniana es una edición en español de las Observaciones geológicas en América del Sur de Charles Darwin, quien participó como naturalista, entre 1831 y 1836, en una circunnavegacion del globo a bordo del buque de guerra ingles Beagle. Ya durante la travesia Darwin fue tomando notas que darian origen a sus libretas de apuntes, en las que se contienen sus observaciones geologicas. Entre 1842 y 1846, dio forma final a su trabajo como geologo con la publicacion de La estructura y distribucion de los arrecifes de coral (1842), Observaciones geologicas de las islas volcanicas visitadas durante el viaje de HMS Beagle (1844), y Observaciones geologicas en America del Sur (1846), el libro que ahora se edita. Los datos sobre los que se basa esta obra proceden de la observacion y de la recogida de muestras durante la expedicion. Para cerrar el volumen se reproducen como anexos otros cuatro articulos de Darwin relacionados con la geologia de America, y se incluyen tambien las laminas, ilustraciones, graficos, esquemas y mapas que acompañan los escritos originales.

Luomo che ha rivoluzionato il mondo della biologia e la nostra concezione evoluzionistica arrivo a concepire le proprie teorie soprattutto grazie al viaggio che lo vide coinvolto nel 1831 e che e raccontato in queste pagine. Allepoca ventiduenne, Darwin si imbarco su un brigantino della Marina Inglese, il Beagle, che aveva la missione di completare i rilevamenti geologici della Patagonia e della Terra del Fuoco, oltre che ispezionare le coste di Cile, Peru, numerose isole del Pacifico e varie misure longitudinali intorno al mondo. Quel viaggio duro oltre cinque anni e permise al naturalista di accumulare una enorme quantita di dati di ogni genere: dalla fauna alla flora, dalle formazioni geologiche ai fondali marini. Se volete conoscere la nascita di una delle tappe fondamentali del pensiero umano, oltre che uno dei piu importanti contributi scientifici di tutti i tempi, in queste pagine leggerete come e nato Lorigine di ogni specie (Fermento 2015). Ma potrete utilizzare questo libro anche come un vero e proprio trattato di geografia e biologia, scritto da uno degli scienziati piu influenti nella storia delluomo. Allinterno - come in tutti i volumi Fermento - gli "Indicatori" per consentire al lettore un agevole viaggio dentro il libro.

A German Editor having written to me for an account of the development of my mind and character with some sketch of my autobiography, I have thought that the attempt would amuse me, and might possibly interest my children or their children. I know that it would have interested me greatly to have read even so short and dull a sketch of the mind of my grandfather, written by himself, and what he thought and did, and how he worked. I have attempted to write the following account of myself, as if I were a dead man in another world looking back at my own life. Nor have I found this difficult, for life is nearly over with me. I have taken no pains about my style of writing.

In "The Autobiography of Charles Darwin," readers are provided with a profound insight into the life and thoughts of one of sciences most pivotal figures. Written with remarkable clarity and introspective depth, this work illuminates Darwins formative experiences, his scientific inquiries, and the evolving context of the Victorian era, which both informed and challenged his groundbreaking theories. The narrative interweaves personal anecdotes with broader reflections on science, religion, and society, establishing a unique literary style that combines autobiography with philosophical inquiry, making it a vital resource for understanding the intellectual landscape of the 19th century. Charles Darwin (1809-1882) was a naturalist and geologist renowned for his groundbreaking work on the theory of evolution through natural selection. Influenced by a diverse family background and extensive voyages, particularly the HMS Beagle expedition, his reflections reveal not only the scientific rigor behind his cogent theories but also the personal struggles he faced as he contended with the theological implications of his findings. This blend of rigorous scholarship and personal narrative enriches our understanding of Darwin as both a scientist and a man. I recommend "The Autobiography of Charles Darwin" to anyone interested in the complexities of scientific thought and the nature of personal conviction. This work offers a rare glimpses into the mind of a visionary thinker, making it essential reading for historians, scientists, and anyone curious about the origins of modern biology.

On the Origin of Species by Charles Darwin - On the Origin of Species (or, more completely, On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection, or the Preservation of Favoured Races in the Struggle for Life), published on 24 November 1859, is a work of scientific literature by Charles Darwin that is considered to be the foundation of evolutionary biology.Darwins book introduced the scientific theory that populations evolve over the course of generations through a process of natural selection. The book presented a body of evidence that the diversity of life arose by common descent through a branching pattern of evolution. Darwin included evidence that he had collected on the Beagle expedition in the 1830s and his subsequent findings from research, correspondence, and experimentation.Various evolutionary ideas had already been proposed to explain new findings in biology. There was growing support for such ideas among dissident anatomists and the general public, but during the first half of the 19th century the English scientific establishment was closely tied to the Church of England, while science was part of natural theology.Ideas about the transmutation of species were controversial as they conflicted with the beliefs that species were unchanging parts of a designed hierarchy and that humans were unique, unrelated to other animals. The political and theological implications were intensely debated, but transmutation was not accepted by the scientific mainstream.

The object of this work is not to describe all the many races of animals which have been domesticated by man, and of the plants which have been cultivated by him; even if I possessed the requisite knowledge, so gigantic an undertaking would be here superfluous. It is my intention to give under the head of each species only such facts as I have been able to collect or observe, showing the amount and nature of the changes which animals and plants have undergone whilst under mans dominion

In "The Expression of the Emotions in Man and Animals," Charles Darwin explores the intricate ways in which emotions manifest across species, weaving together observations from natural history, physiology, and psychology. Employing a method that blends scientific rigor with literary finesse, Darwin articulates his theories on emotional expression through vivid descriptions and meticulously detailed illustrations. Situated within the framework of 19th-century scientific inquiry, the work not only reflects Darwins evolutionary perspective but also serves as a forerunner to contemporary studies in ethology and psychology, emphasizing the unity of emotional expression across biological forms. Darwin, renowned for his foundational contributions to the theory of evolution, draws on his extensive travels and meticulous observations to inform this work. His background in natural history, coupled with an intense curiosity about the interconnectedness of life, motivated him to investigate a topic that had only begun to receive scholarly attention. Understanding the emotive capabilities of both humans and animals was, for Darwin, a critical endeavor that illuminated broader implications for understanding our shared descent and the continuity of life. Recommended for scholars, students, and general readers alike, this compelling exploration invites readers to reconsider the emotional landscapes we share with other animals. Darwins nuanced insights into human and animal behavior foster a deeper understanding of our own emotional experiences and connections to the natural world, marking this book as an essential read for anyone interested in the evolution of emotions.

Principal aportación de Charles Darwin (1809-1882) a los estudios interdisciplinarios en que convergen la psicología y la biología, La expresión de las emociones en los animales y en el hombre es una pieza clave dentro de su obra. Si bien el declive de la psicologia comparada a comienzos del siglo XX resto momentaneamente influencia a sus aportaciones conceptuales, el auge de la moderna etologia ha contribuido al redescubrimiento de este texto capital para la biologia de la conducta.

L''origen de les espècies va capgirar el pensament científic i filosòfic i la nostra concepció de la vida i del món. Escrita originalment amb un estil directe i llegidor, adreçada a tots els públics,