A Short History of Biology

A concise, authoritative and compelling introduction to the history of the science of life. This is a history of ideas, not of men. It follows the growth of concepts, the development of the science rather than the life histories of scientists. Special attention is, of course, given to Darwin's theory of evolution, the unifying and controlling framework of all biology, and to the explosive growth of molecular biology which is now reulting in the great advance in genetics and medicine. Sir Gavin de Beer F.R.S. says in his Foreward: "The breadth of the canvas on which is book is sketched, the boldness off the brush-strokes, and the vigour of the style carry the reader along at a brisk pace. It is what the title proclaims."