The Foundation of the Origin of Species: Two Essays Written in 1842 and 1844 by Charles Darwin (Cambridge Library Collection - Darwin, Evolution and Genetics)

The development of Charles Darwin's views on evolution by natural selection has fascinated biologists since the 1859 publication of his landmark text On The Origin of Species. His experiences, observations and reflections during and after his pivotal journey on the Beagle during 1831-36 were of critical importance. Darwin was not, however, a man to be rushed. While his autobiography claims that the framework of his theory was laid down by 1839, its first outline sketch did not emerge until 1842. That essay was heavily edited, with many insertions and erasures. It formed the vital kernel of his more expansive but also unpolished and unpublished essay of 1844. Following careful editing by his son Francis, both essays were published in 1909, and are reproduced here. Reading these side by side, and together with the Origin, permits us to scrutinise selection and evolution truly in action. CONTENTS......Page 14 INTRODUCTION......Page 18 PART I. ON VARIATION UNDER DOMESTICATION, ANDON THE PRINCIPLES OF SELECTION......Page 38 PART II. (ON THE EVIDENCE FROM GEOLOGY......Page 59 THE ESSAY OF 1844......Page 93 CHAPTER II......Page 119 CHAPTER III......Page 150 CHAPTER IV......Page 171 CHAPTER V......Page 182 CHAPTER VI......Page 189 CHAPTER VII......Page 236 CHAPTER VIII......Page 252 CHAPTER IX......Page 269 CHAPTER X......Page 277 INDEX......Page 295 The development of Charles Darwin's ideas on evolution is a fascinating subject. A first written outline emerged in 1842, the kernel of a longer 1844 essay, but neither was published during his lifetime. Reading these, together with his 1859 Origin, permits scrutiny of selection and evolution in action.