Selections from Darwin's The Origin of Species (Science Classics Module for Humanities Studies) / Charles Darwin

Darwin's Origin of Species, one of the great foundational works of modern science, reorganized biology according to a revolutionary idea---that the world of living things that surrounds us, and of which we are a part, is essentially historical; that it has come into being through time, and by means of causes that act in time.

Although it is a scientific work, the Origin was not written solely for specialists. Darwin expected it to be read and understood by generally educated readers, readers like you and me. In Chapter XIV he will state that "this whole volume is one long argument." For the present edition I have chosen selections that attempt to present Darwin's principal lines of argument, while of course passing over many details. I have also provided notes and other remarks designed to help you focus on what is essential in Darwin's argument for his theory of the development of living things.

Nicholas Maistrellis
from the Editor's General Introduction

The Origin of Species, Darwin's first book, does not present "evolution" as we know the theory today. It is the first comprehensive statement of a plausible process that would result in evolution. That process is "natural selection," which Darwin spells out in a beautifully shaped argument, with exquisite detail. The Origin is also of primary importance because it was so enormously influential. It continues to stand as the book you go to first---"the rest is commentary."

The substantial passages provided in this edition allow one to enjoy the precision and clarity of Darwin s writing and the patient thoroughness of his reasoning. Step by step, layer by layer, detail by detail, like the most intricate detective story, he constructs his case.

The Green Lion commissioned Nicholas Maistrellis to make the selections and provide introductions and annotations. Maistrellis knows the Origin deeply, has read it with students for decades, has a background in biology, and, most importantly, has studied and taught the book in the context of a broad liberal arts curriculum.
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