Pioneers of Evolution from Thales to Huxley: With an Intermediate Chapter on the Causes of Arrest of the Movement

A historical account written in the late 19th century. The book explores the origins and development of the idea of evolution, tracing its roots from ancient Greek philosophers to its revival in modern science. It highlights key figures who played a crucial role in shaping evolutionary theory, such as Thales, Aristotle, and later theorists like Darwin and Huxley, while also delving into the belief systems that impeded scientific progress for centuries. The opening of the work establishes a framework for understanding the evolution concept, beginning with the Ionian philosophers who first speculated about the nature of the universe and the origins of life. Clodd emphasizes the substantial intellectual contributions of figures like Thales and Anaximander, who questioned traditional beliefs and proposed that natural phenomena were governed by fixed principles. This section sets a historical context by discussing the initial inquiries of Greek thinkers, outlining how these early ideas laid the groundwork for future scientific exploration while contrasting them with the theological constraints that stalled intellectual progress for many centuries.