Erasmus Darwin, (born Dec. 12, 1731, Elston Hall, Nottinghamshire, Eng.—died April 18, 1802, Derby, Derbyshire), British physician, poet, and botanist, grandfather of Charles Darwin and Francis Galton. A freethinker and radical, Darwin often wrote his opinions and scientific treatises in verse. In Zoonomia; or, The Laws of Organic Life (1794–96), he advanced a theory of evolution similar to that of Lamarck, suggesting that species modified themselves by adapting to their environment in an intentional way. He initially enjoyed great success, but his work fell out of favour because of his unorthodox views on evolution. However, the extent of his influence on contemporaries and successors was far-reaching, and today he remains an important figure of historical interest.
Erasmus Darwin Article
Erasmus Darwin summary
Below is the article summary. For the full article, see Erasmus Darwin.
evolution Summary
Evolution, theory in biology postulating that the various types of plants, animals, and other living things on Earth have their origin in other preexisting types and that the distinguishable differences are due to modifications in successive generations. The theory of evolution is one of the
medicine Summary
Medicine, the practice concerned with the maintenance of health and the prevention, alleviation, or cure of disease. The World Health Organization at its 1978 international conference held in the Soviet Union produced the Alma-Ata Health Declaration, which was designed to serve governments as a