A Preliminary Discourse on the Study of Natural History
Part of Cambridge Library Collection - Zoology
- Author: William Swainson
- Date Published: September 2009
- availability: Available
- format: Paperback
- isbn: 9781108005234
Paperback
Looking for an inspection copy?
This title is not currently available on inspection
-
William Swainson F. R. S., was recognised principally as a zoologist, an ornithologist and a skilled and prolific illustrator. He also had a tremendous enthusiasm for seeking and identifying new species. In this 1834 volume however, Swainson addressed the nature of, foundations for and successful pursuit of zoology. It argues firmly for the key importance of taxonomy. Swainson was an ardent advocate of MacLeay's now entirely outmoded 'quinary' system of classification – even then a distinctly minority view. This sought affinities, patterns and analogies among organisms, in order to discern God's order. More than a mere curiosity, such work was of pivotal concern to enterprising naturalists of the 1820s and 1830s – including the young Charles Darwin. It also reached Robert Chambers, whose 1844 Vestiges of the Natural History of Creation was an important landmark in the development of the theory of evolution.
Customer reviews
Not yet reviewed
Be the first to review
Review was not posted due to profanity
×Product details
- Date Published: September 2009
- format: Paperback
- isbn: 9781108005234
- length: 480 pages
- dimensions: 216 x 140 x 27 mm
- weight: 0.61kg
- availability: Available
Table of Contents
Part I. Rise and Progress of Zoology
Part II. On the General Nature and Advantages of the Study of Natural History
Part III. Of the Principles on which Natural History Relies for Its Successful Prosecution and the Considerations by which the Natural System may Developed
Part IV. On the Present State of Zoological Science in Britain and on the Means Best Calculated for Its Encouragement and Extension.
Sorry, this resource is locked
Please register or sign in to request access. If you are having problems accessing these resources please email lecturers@cambridge.org
Register Sign in» Proceed
You are now leaving the Cambridge University Press website. Your eBook purchase and download will be completed by our partner www.ebooks.com. Please see the permission section of the www.ebooks.com catalogue page for details of the print & copy limits on our eBooks.
Continue ×Are you sure you want to delete your account?
This cannot be undone.
Thank you for your feedback which will help us improve our service.
If you requested a response, we will make sure to get back to you shortly.
×