More Science from an Easy Chair

Name: More Science from an Easy Chair
Author: Sir E. Ray Lankester

By Sir E. Ray Lankester

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About This Book

A collection of illustrated popular-science essays adapted from newspaper pieces that survey topics in natural history, anatomy, behavior and paleontology alongside human cultural practices. Subjects include alpine plants and glaciers, elephants and extinct mammals, feeding and dentition, smells and kissing, laughter, unusual reproductive phenomena, small-statured human populations, prehistoric art, calendrical customs, museums, infectious disease and immunity, the fauna of New Zealand, human-driven extinctions and whale biology. The pieces mix descriptive observation, explanations of biological mechanisms, concise historical and cultural notes, and critiques of common misconceptions about science and the necessity of clear interpretation.

About the Author

Sir E. Ray Lankester

Sir E. Ray Lankester was a prominent British zoologist and naturalist, known for his contributions to the understanding of evolution and biology. He played a significant role in popularizing scientific ideas through his accessible writings. His notable works include "Degeneration: A Chapter in Darwinism," where he explores the implications of Darwinian theory, and "Diversions of a Naturalist," which reflects his keen observations of nature. Lankester's essays, often published in collections such as "Science from an Easy Chair," demonstrate his ability to engage a general audience with complex scientific concepts. His legacy includes a commitment to science education and public understanding of natural history.