The Evolution of Sex

Abstract

THIS book, say the authors in the preface, has “the difficult task of inviting the criticism of the biological student, although primarily addressing itself to the general reader or beginner.” In attempting to meet these two interests the authors have aimed high: they have aimed at producing a classic. They have brought to the task—as indeed their names guarantee—a wealth of knowledge, a lucid and attractive method of treatment, and a rich vein of picturesque language. The illustrations are pertinent, and sometimes very good. The index and table of contents are copious, and the summaries and references to literature at the end of each chapter are most useful. In matters of history they are especially good, and advanced biological students will find the abstracts of the views of Eimer, Weismann, Brooks, Hertwig, Haeckel, Wallace, Spencer, Geddes, and many others exceedingly useful. But as writers for the general public the authors have serious if not prohibitive disadvantages.

The Evolution of Sex.

By Prof. Patrick Geddes J. Arthur Thomson. With 104 Illustrations. (London: Walter Scott, 1889.)