An elementary discussion of facts, processes, laws and theories relating to the life and evolution of animals. “The first three chapters are occupied with preliminary definitions of evolution and discussions of the physical basis of life, the simplest form of life, the meaning of species, and similar fundamental points. The next eight chapters deal with the various theories as to the methods of evolution which have been proposed, and the facts and supposed facts of nature on which they have been based. The remaining ten chapters are devoted to special topics related to the subject of evolution.” (Dial.)
“It would be difficult, if not impossible, to find a better work to put into the hands of serious students of evolution, to be used either as a text-book or for so-called ‘collateral reading.’” Raymond Pearl.
| + + − | Dial. 43: 210. O. 1, ’07. 340w. |
“Lack of care in the legends is characteristic of the illustrations. This apparently petty criticism of the English has as its excuse the well-known fact that both the authors are, when they try, masters of literary style. One cannot escape the convictions that this book was hurriedly, even somewhat carelessly, ‘reeled off,’ out of the abundant knowledge of the busy authors. Mistakes of fact are rather few.”
| + − | Ind. 63: 818. O. 3, ’07. 1240w. |
“Notwithstanding the extreme condensation, the text is clear and pleasant reading, brightened by original similes.”
| + + | Nation. 85: 426. N. 7, ’07. 570w. |
“The book is perfectly capable of being understood by the reader who is not trained technically in science, provided that he will give it his fair and careful attention.”
| + + | Outlook. 87: 271. O. 5, ’07. 250w. |