Darwinism: An Exposition of the Theory of Natural Selection With Some of Its Applications

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A contemporary of Charles Darwin who developed his own theory of evolution in parallel, British biologist and explorer ALFRED RUSSEL WALLACE (1823-1913) here explores the current state of Darwinism as a scientific theory as it stood in 1889, when this book was originally published. Natural selection was under fire as an insufficient explanation for evolution, but Wallace believed that this was only because it was not understood properly.

To combat the opponents of natural selection, he offers examples of evolution at work in nature, including a study of variation and coloration, sterility in crossbreeds, fertilization methods in plants, and the importance of the struggle for survival.

A good primer for anyone wanting to know more about Darwin's theory of evolution, Darwinism is written in an easy-to-read style that will appeal to readers from any academic discipline.