On the Power, Wisdom and Goodness of God as Manifested in the Creation of Animals and in their History, Habits and Instincts
On the Power, Wisdom and Goodness of God as Manifested in the Creation of Animals and in their History, Habits and Instincts
This extensively illustrated two-volume treatise, published in 1835, is one of a series commissioned by the Royal Society with funds bequeathed by the Earl of Bridgewater. William Kirby (1759-1850), Cambridge graduate, country parson and respected entomologist, here combines the study of the word of God with that of his works, aiming to disprove Lamarck's hypothesis that all the works of creation can be attributed to second causes, rather than a first cause, i.e. God. Kirby agrees with philosophers' objections to superstitious and bigoted adherence to the letter of scripture, but questions their lack of attention to its spirit. He explores the creation of animals in a spiritual context, and goes on to consider the functions and instincts of the major animal groups. Volume 2 includes chapters on insects, fish, reptiles, birds and mammals. This book contributed to the intellectual debates that formed the background to Darwin's work on evolution.
Product details
No date availablePaperback
9781108000758
576 pages
216 × 140 × 33 mm
0.72kg
Table of Contents
- Explanation of plates
- Introduction
- 13. Functions and instincts – Cirripedes and Crinoïdeans
- 14. Functions and instincts – Entomostracan Condylopes
- 15. Functions and instincts – Crustacean Condylopes
- 16. Functions and instincts – Myriapod Condylopes
- 17. Motive, locomotive and prehensory organs – Rotary organs, Tentacles, Suckers, Bristles, Natatory organs, Wings, Steering organs, Legs
- 18. Instinct in general
- 19. Functions and instincts – Arachnidans, Pseudarachnidans and Acaridan Condylopes
- 20. Functions and instincts – Insect Condylopes
- 21. Functions and instincts – Fishes
- 22. Functions and instincts – Reptiles
- 23. Functions and instincts – Birds
- 24. Functions and instincts – Mammalians
- 25. Functions and instincts – Man
- Conclusion.
