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The Darwinian Hypothesis cover

The Darwinian Hypothesis

The essay presents the proposal that species arise through natural selection preserving favorable variants, and emphasizes the need to clarify terms like species and variety. It examines practical and experimental difficulties in distinguishing species, arguing that hybrid fertility is not a reliable test and that crosses can produce asymmetrical or surprising results. It highlights anatomical and developmental puzzles—traits without obvious adaptive function, vestigial organs, and progressive maturation—to challenge simple teleological explanations. The author insists the hypothesis must be evaluated solely by scientific tests and acknowledges that future research may refine or overturn it.

By Thomas Henry Huxley
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Philosophy & EthicsScience - Biology

About This Book

The essay presents the proposal that species arise through natural selection preserving favorable variants, and emphasizes the need to clarify terms like species and variety. It examines practical and experimental difficulties in distinguishing species, arguing that hybrid fertility is not a reliable test and that crosses can produce asymmetrical or surprising results. It highlights anatomical and developmental puzzles—traits without obvious adaptive function, vestigial organs, and progressive maturation—to challenge simple teleological explanations. The author insists the hypothesis must be evaluated solely by scientific tests and acknowledges that future research may refine or overturn it.

About the Author

Huxley, Thomas Henry portrait

Thomas Henry Huxley

Thomas Henry Huxley (1825-1895) was an English biologist and a prominent advocate of Charles Darwin's theory of evolution. Often referred to as 'Darwin's Bulldog' for his defense of evolutionary science, Huxley made significant contributions to the fields of zoology and paleontology. His works, such as "A Critical Examination of the Position of Mr. Darwin's Work" and "American Addresses, with a Lecture on the Study of Biology," reflect his commitment to scientific inquiry and education. Huxley's writings often explored the relationship between science and religion, and he was instrumental in promoting the importance of scientific literacy in society.

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A Critical Examination of the Position of Mr. Darwin's Work, "On the Origin of Species," in Relation to the Complete Theory of the Causes of the Phenomena of Organic Nature / Lecture VI. (of VI.), "Lectures to Working Men", at the Museum of Practical Geology, 1863, on Darwin's Work: "Origin of Species" cover A Critical Examination of the Position of Mr. Darwin's Work, "On the Origin of Species," in Relation to the Complete Theory of the Causes of the Phenomena of Organic Nature / Lecture VI. (of VI.), "Lectures to Working Men", at the Museum of Practical Geology, 1863, on Darwin's Work: "Origin of Species" by Thomas Henry Huxley American Addresses, with a Lecture on the Study of Biology cover American Addresses, with a Lecture on the Study of Biology by Thomas Henry Huxley Aphorisms and Reflections from the works of T. H. Huxley cover Aphorisms and Reflections from the works of T. H. Huxley by Thomas Henry Huxley Aphorisms and Reflections from the Works of T. H. Huxley cover Aphorisms and Reflections from the Works of T. H. Huxley by Thomas Henry Huxley Autobiography and Selected Essays cover Autobiography and Selected Essays by Thomas Henry Huxley Collected Essays, Volume V / Science and Christian Tradition: Essays cover Collected Essays, Volume V / Science and Christian Tradition: Essays by Thomas Henry Huxley

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