The history of the evolutionary tree of life, from Greek philosophers to twenty-first-century scientists, gives insights into the origin and transitions of the theory through western civilization. While approaches have been diverse, elements progressing into increasing complexity over time is a constant theme. Porphyry (234–305 BC), a third-century Greek philosopher, composed the first known tree of life in his work entitled Isagoge while living in Sicily. Isagoge is an “Introduction” Porphyry edited into Aristotle‘s (384–322 BC) text known as Categories. Continue Reading
Charles Darwin started the debate over where humans originated. In the 19th century, most evolution scientists believed humans originated in Asia – the out-of-Asia model. In the 6th edition of the Origin of Species (1872), while Darwin mentions “humans” ten times, he never discusses the origin of humans.
For the 1st edition of the Descent of Man (1871), Darwin studied African apes. In the section entitled “On the Birthplace and Antiquity of Man,” Darwin argued, “it is somewhat more probable that our early progenitors lived on the African continent than elsewhere.” Darwin started evolution’s out-of-Africa vs. out-of-Asia dilemma.
While Darwin’s Bulldog, Thomas Huxley (pictured right), supported the out-of-Africa theory, few others did. Most evolution scientists, at that time, believed humans originated in Asia. The out-of-Asia model, supported by many evolutionists, including Ernst Haeckel, Eugene Dubois, Henry Fairfield Osborn, and Roy Chapman Andrews, was the accepted theory.
Darwin, Then and Now chronicles who Darwin was, how he developed his theory, what he said, and what scientists have discovered since the publication of The Origin of Species in 1859.
The book traces the rise and fall of evolution as a scientifically valid theory. With over 1,000 references from Darwin and scientists, Darwin Then and Now retraces how this once popular theory is increasingly recognized as only a philosophy since the theory has yet to be scientifically validated.