The History of Creation, Volume One (Foundations in Biological Thought)

Ernst Heinrich Haeckel (1834–1919) had an expansive collection of interests: embryology, comparative anatomy, marine biology, philosophy, medicine, and illustrative art. However, Haeckel’s career was solidified upon reading “On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection” by Charles Darwin. He became a champion for the theory of evolution, and a professor of zoology at the University of Jena. Despite a position of prestige in the 19th century scientific community, Haeckel’s works were not without controversy. He favored a belief in spontaneous generation: that organic life can arise from inorganic matter; and, his Biogenetic Law — embryological development (ontogeny) recapitulates adult stages of organisms from which it evolved (phylogeny) — has since become a biological myth. In “The History of Creation”, Ernst Haeckel presents his views on his peers and their doctrines — often reverent, sometimes scathing — and his scientific perspectives of life on earth. “The History of Creation” was originally published as two volumes in 1880; however, it is often reprinted as a single unabridged volume. Now, Briar Bird Press is offering a return to the original two volume set. Volume I of "The History of Creation" is the fifth entry in the Foundations in Biological Thought series; volume II will be available as Foundations in Biological Thought, no. 7. The series presents the pivotal works of 19th century naturalists remastered for modern readers. Meticulously edited, these volumes preserve the author's intent in design and content, including the manuscript's original annotations and amendments. In addition, revised page references and editor's notes are included throughout to retain the utility of the works for both study and reference.