The Principles of Biology, Volume 1 (of 2)

An extended exposition presents the general truths of biology as interpreted by the laws of evolution, beginning with the physical and chemical properties of organic matter and processes such as metabolism and the dynamic element of life. It builds inductive accounts of growth, development, structure, function, adaptation, individuality, cell life, heredity, and variation, then examines classification and distribution. The final portion compares hypotheses of special-creation and evolution, marshals evidence from embryology, morphology, and biogeography, and analyzes causes of evolutionary change—external and internal factors, modes of equilibration, and their cooperation—adding critiques, recent hypotheses, and appendices on fertility, selection, and contested origin and inheritance claims.