Studies In The Theory Of Descent.With Notes And Additions By The Author Translated And Edited, With Notes, By Raphael Meldola.With A Prefatory Notice By Charles Darwin.

WEISMANN, August [Friedrich Leopold] [1834-1914].

Published by London: Sampson Low, Marston, Searle, & Rivington, 1882., 1882

About this Item

2 Volumes. 8vo. pp. 1 p.l., [v]-xxxvi, 400; 1 p.l., [401]-729, [1]errata. lacking half-titles. 8 chromolithographed plates. original black-stamped & gilt-lettered cloth (extremities & joints bit rubbed & frayed, 1 gathering sprung, errata crossed out & all corrections entered in ms. by former owner). small book label on title of F.J.Cole. First Edition of the English Translation by Raphael Meldola, with preface by Charles Darwin & a new Engish preface by Weismann (first published in German at Leipzig in 1875-76). [The German zoologist's] most influential contribution to biological thought was his theory of the continuity of the germ plasm, an explanation of heredity and development. He maintained that the germ plasm, the substance of heredity, was transmitted from generation to generation, distinguishing it from the somatoplasm; he also was foremost in his day in denying that acquired characters were inherited. Keeping abreast of current researches on the cell and the growing understanding of the role of the nucleus and the chromosomes in inheritance, Weismann modified the theory of germinal continuity. Cytology repeatedly confirmed the phenomena the existence of which he had presumed with theoretical considerations. He was a strong defender of Darwin's theory of evolution and a leader among Neo-Darwinists arguing for the sufficiency of natural selection.[In the present work he] treated the seasonal dimorphism of butterflies and questions of evolution and heredity.[and] proceeded to construct his own theory of heredity rather than accept Darwin's hypothesis of pangenesis.he decided that acquired characters could not be inherited, for to become inheritable, changes would have to affect the germ plasm itself.". (DSB) Freeman 3932.

Seller Inventory # SISudWEI24

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Studies In The Theory Of Descent.With Notes And Additions By The Author Translated And Edited, With Notes, By Raphael Meldola.With A Prefatory Notice By Charles Darwin.
• Publisher: London: Sampson Low, Marston, Searle, & Rivington, 1882.
• Publication Date: 1882
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition: 1st Edition
• Seller catalogs:
  • Science