Luck, or Cunning, as the Main Means of Organic Modification by Samuel Butler

"Luck, or Cunning, as the Main Means of Organic Modification" by Samuel Butler is a scientific publication written in the late 19th century. The book explores the complex relationship between heredity and memory while seeking to reintegrate the concept of design into the evolutionary narrative, challenging the dominant Darwinian view of natural selection. The beginning of the text establishes Butler's intent to delve into the nuances of organic development, arguing for the significant overlap between heredity and memory. Following an introduction that highlights his shift from an initial focus on the division of life forms to a deeper examination of Darwin's theories, Butler reflects on his interactions with influential contemporaries such as Alfred Tylor and Herbert Spencer. He articulates that understanding the intricacies of descent requires acknowledging design's role in evolution while arguing that instinct should be perceived as inherited memory—a concept he aims to substantiate throughout the work. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

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About this eBook

Author Butler, Samuel, 1835-1902
Title Luck, or Cunning, as the Main Means of Organic Modification
Credits Transcribed from the 1922 Jonathan Cape edition by David Price
Reading Level Reading ease score: 50.4 (10th to 12th grade). Somewhat difficult to read.
Language English
LoC Class PR: Language and Literatures: English literature
LoC Class QH: Science: Natural history
Subject Natural selection
Subject Evolution
Category Text
eBook-No. 4967
Release Date
Last Update Aug 3, 2014
Copyright Public domain in the USA.
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