Explore the laws of how animal eggs develop through careful experiment .
This volume introduces experimental zoology by Hans Przibram and surveys the early stages of life, from fertilization through the first organ formation. Rich with diagrams and plates, it shows how different animals begin life and how researchers uncover the steps that shape an embryo.
The book focuses on the first development of the individual organism, detailing the processes of fertilization, cleavage, gastrulation, and the formation of germ layers. It compares a wide range of animals, from simple to complex, and explains how cells differentiate to form muscles, nerves, organs, and body plans. The material includes practical discussions of experimental methods, including how isolated cells behave during early development, and how external factors like chemistry, moisture, and temperature influence growth.
What you’ll experience
- Clear explanations of fertilization, cleavage, gastrulation, and germ layer formation
- Illustrations and descriptions of how different animal groups develop
- Insight into classic experiments that reveal how early cells decide their fate
- A historical view of embryology as a rigorous, test‑driven science
Ideal for readers of biology, zoology, and the history of science who want a solid, accessible overview of early embryology and its experimental foundations.