Darwinism (1889): An Exposition of the Theory of Natural Selection, with Some of Its Applications

A scientific publication written during the late 19th century. The book serves as an exposition of the theory of natural selection and delves into its applications in the context of evolutionary biology. A central theme is to clarify and expand upon Charles Darwin's foundational concepts of evolution, exploring how species originate and the mechanisms that drive their development and variation. The opening of ''Darwinism'' presents a thorough introduction to the concepts of ''species'' and their ''origin,'' establishing the groundwork for the subsequent exploration of natural selection. Wallace outlines the historical context surrounding Darwin's theory, discussing the prevailing beliefs about species and their supposed ''special creation.'' He addresses the transformation in scientific thought that has emerged since Darwin's work, emphasizing the acceptance of species evolving from one another through natural laws. The initial chapters set the stage for a detailed examination of the struggle for existence among organisms, the variability of species in nature, and how these factors contribute to the evolutionary process, leading the way into deeper discussions on natural selection in the chapters that follow.