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Vestiges of the Natural History of Creation: 'Exploring Evolution: A Victorian Perspective on Natural History'
Robert Chambers' groundbreaking book, 'Vestiges of the Natural History of Creation,' published anonymously in 1844, provides a comprehensive examination of the history and development of the natural world. Written in a clear and accessible style, Chambers explores the formation of the universe, the evolution of life on Earth, and the interconnectedness of all living beings. This work is a precursor to Darwin's theory of evolution, offering a unique perspective on scientific thought at the time. Chambers' literary style is engaging and thought-provoking, making for a compelling read for anyone interested in the natural sciences. His exploration of the natural world invites readers to consider the broader implications of evolution and the interconnectedness of all living things. With its groundbreaking ideas and eloquent prose, 'Vestiges of the Natural History of Creation' is a must-read for those interested in the history of scientific thought and the origins of modern evolutionary theory.
186 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1844
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About the author
Robert Chambers
1,358 books6 followersRobert Chambers was a Scottish publisher and scientific author of the Victorian period. He was noted for his early thoughts on evolution and for his work with his older brother, William, in publishing many influential texts on Victorian science and politics.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_...
He should not be confused with turn-of-the-century American Horror author Robert W. Chambers.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_...
He should not be confused with turn-of-the-century American Horror author Robert W. Chambers.
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
November 17, 2013
When Charles Darwin published "On the Origin of Species" in 1859, his examination of the Evolution of life on Earth, based jointly on his own findings and those of Alfred Russell Wallace, it changed the course of human history. Few books have ever had the impact that this one did. The first edition sold out practically overnight. Five further editions were published and, since initial publication, thousands of copies have been sold. Of course, it is now out of copyright and freely available for download from sources such as The Gutenberg Project. It must have been read by millions. I am one of those millions.
14 years earlier, another book on the subject of Evolution was published, but this one anonymously. "Vestiges of the Natural History of Creation" was published by Robert Chambers, anonymously because he realised the potential impact it would have. It that time, the suggestion that life on Earth had not been created by a God exactly as indicated in the Bible, was still highly controversial.
And yet, Chambers was a man of religion. He truly believed that the very existence of life was proof of God's existence. It was in just how God was involved that he differed from the prevailing views of the time, views predominantly expressed by the Church (of England).
Chambers wrote his treatise from the perspective of someone who found persuasive evidence in Nature that life evolved from a starting point of a set of universal laws established by God, after which He left the Universe to pretty much get on with things without Him tinkering at every opportunity. If things went wrong, believed Chambers, they did so because these Laws were not being observed, and that was the meaning of Free Will.
His book follows the evolution of life as expressed by the fossils that had been uncovered in the strata of the earth. This ground-breaking discovery was not Chambers' but largely due to the work of William Smith, "The Father of English Geology", who in 1815 produced the first map of the geological structure of the British Isles, a copy of which map hangs today in the The Geological Society's Burlington House headquarters.
Chambers makes no reference to Smith's discoveries but must have been aware of them. However, his interpretation of how life evolved, based on these fossils is somewhat different from how we now understand them.
In particular he is a great proponent of the theories of Jean-Baptiste Lemark regarding how species evolved, those theories nowadays being thoroughly discredited. He also supported the now also discredited theories of Ernst Haeckel regarding embryonic development, that the embryo, through the early stages of its growth, displays the physical characteristics of many of the evolutionary ancestors from which it has evolved. We now know that features such as pharyngeal arches are not proof that we once had gills.
So, if he got much wrong, what value if this book? In fact, it is a very interesting read rather because of how much he got right, and this at a time when such theories flew in the face of accepted wisdom.
It is, however, not an easy read. Chambers has a tendency to use extensive scientific language. You will likely find yourself frequently referring to a dictionary. In addition, the later chapters tend to run short of scientific evidence as Chambers resorts more to pulpit preaching in support of God being the author of everything.
However, having read Darwin, I am glad I also made the effort to read Chambers as well. Without Chambers it would have been interesting to see just what Darwin would have produced.
14 years earlier, another book on the subject of Evolution was published, but this one anonymously. "Vestiges of the Natural History of Creation" was published by Robert Chambers, anonymously because he realised the potential impact it would have. It that time, the suggestion that life on Earth had not been created by a God exactly as indicated in the Bible, was still highly controversial.
And yet, Chambers was a man of religion. He truly believed that the very existence of life was proof of God's existence. It was in just how God was involved that he differed from the prevailing views of the time, views predominantly expressed by the Church (of England).
Chambers wrote his treatise from the perspective of someone who found persuasive evidence in Nature that life evolved from a starting point of a set of universal laws established by God, after which He left the Universe to pretty much get on with things without Him tinkering at every opportunity. If things went wrong, believed Chambers, they did so because these Laws were not being observed, and that was the meaning of Free Will.
His book follows the evolution of life as expressed by the fossils that had been uncovered in the strata of the earth. This ground-breaking discovery was not Chambers' but largely due to the work of William Smith, "The Father of English Geology", who in 1815 produced the first map of the geological structure of the British Isles, a copy of which map hangs today in the The Geological Society's Burlington House headquarters.
Chambers makes no reference to Smith's discoveries but must have been aware of them. However, his interpretation of how life evolved, based on these fossils is somewhat different from how we now understand them.
In particular he is a great proponent of the theories of Jean-Baptiste Lemark regarding how species evolved, those theories nowadays being thoroughly discredited. He also supported the now also discredited theories of Ernst Haeckel regarding embryonic development, that the embryo, through the early stages of its growth, displays the physical characteristics of many of the evolutionary ancestors from which it has evolved. We now know that features such as pharyngeal arches are not proof that we once had gills.
So, if he got much wrong, what value if this book? In fact, it is a very interesting read rather because of how much he got right, and this at a time when such theories flew in the face of accepted wisdom.
It is, however, not an easy read. Chambers has a tendency to use extensive scientific language. You will likely find yourself frequently referring to a dictionary. In addition, the later chapters tend to run short of scientific evidence as Chambers resorts more to pulpit preaching in support of God being the author of everything.
However, having read Darwin, I am glad I also made the effort to read Chambers as well. Without Chambers it would have been interesting to see just what Darwin would have produced.
June 30, 2007
This "Victorian Sensation" does not receive enough plaudits. I agree that the book should not be read as an authoritative scientific text- but gee, what a raucously fun read! Such an awesome history of the world, as gleaned from geologic observations and extrapolations based upon present life forms. While not as accurate as Darwin, I found it often the better read.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews