20–18325
Two volumes containing the Gifford lectures delivered in the University of St Andrews in the years 1915 and 1916, by the Regius professor of natural history in the University of Aberdeen. The subject matter of this lecture series is usually philosophical, dealing with the nature of man and the universe. In presenting the biological point of view, Professor Thomson’s remarks are valuable, but as a coninterpretation or our religious conviction, we must admit the desirability of having more than a passing acquaintance with the system of things of which our everyday life is in some measure part.” His aim has been “to state the general results of biological inquiry which must be taken account of if we are to think of organic nature as a whole and in relation to the rest of our experience.” (Preface) Volume 1 contains ten lectures on The realm of organisms as it is; Volume 2, also composed of ten lectures, is devoted to The evolution of the realm of organisms. Volume 2 has a bibliography of nineteen pages and an index.
“As correcting the ‘red in tooth and claw’ conception of the animate world. Professor Thomson’s remarks are valuable, but, as a contribution to the ethical and religious problem, they are unimportant.”
+ − Ath p478 O 8 ’20 1150w
“Will appeal only to the reflective who can use biological facts as the material of thought. For large and special libraries.”
+ Booklist 17:101 D ’20
“The author’s resources in the way of naturalistic erudition are astounding, and his command of English at once fresh and fascinating.” E. P.
+ Dial 70:109 Ja ’21 70w
“It is a book that most certainly ought to have been written. It takes stock, so to speak, of the situation of speculative biology at the beginning of a new phase in science, and it does so in a manner that is candid, comprehensive, and most attractive.” J. J.