The Whence and the Whither of Man / A Brief History of His Origin and Development through Conformity to Environment; Being the Morse Lectures of 1895

Name: The Whence and the Whither of Man / A Brief History of His Origin and Development through Conformity to Environment; Being the Morse Lectures of 1895
Author: John M. Tyler

By John M. Tyler

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About This Book

The lectures trace human origin and development as a biological sequence from the simplest cells through protozoans, worms, mollusks, arthropods, vertebrates, and mammals to primates, using anatomical and embryological evidence to show how structures arose. They analyze tissues, organs, skeletons, locomotion, and brain expansion, arguing that conformity to environment directed major changes in form and function. A concluding section follows mental evolution from reflex and instinct through association, inference, and rational intelligence, considering appetites, motives, social feelings, care of offspring, and the gradual emergence of altruistic behavior.

About the Author

John M. Tyler

John M. Tyler was an influential figure in the field of anthropology and archaeology, particularly known for his explorations of human development in relation to environmental factors. His notable works include "The New Stone Age in Northern Europe," which examines prehistoric societies, and "The Whence and the Whither of Man," a series of lectures that delve into the origins and evolution of humanity. Through his scholarly contributions, Tyler sought to illuminate the complex interplay between humans and their environments, making significant strides in understanding our past.