Evolution, Old & New
Or, the Theories of Buffon, Dr. Erasmus Darwin and Lamarck, as compared with that of Charles Darwin
Evolution, Old and New, first published in 1879, is Samuel Butler's challenge to the way Charles Darwin's theory had been received. Butler sets out the earlier evolutionary theories of Buffon, Erasmus Darwin and Lamarck, quoting them at length, and argues that they had already established descent with modification, and that their emphasis on the needs and efforts of living things gave a better account of adaptation than natural selection acting on chance variation. He accuses Darwin of slighting his predecessors, including his own grandfather. The book sharpened a public quarrel between the two men, and it remains a lively, combative piece of intellectual history. The full text is available to read online in your browser on Vinteuil, and the first chapter is free.
Start reading right away, without signing up. The complete text is included in Vinteuil Reading, or yours forever with a one-time purchase.
Frequently asked questions about Evolution, Old & New
Evolution, Old & New by Samuel Butler can be read online on Vinteuil, directly in your browser. The first chapter is free for everyone; the complete book is included in Vinteuil Reading ($4.99/month or $39.99/year) or yours forever for $2.99.
Can I read Evolution, Old & New online?
Yes. Evolution, Old & New opens right on this page, in a reader designed for long reading: adjustable text size, light, sepia and dark themes, a clickable table of contents and your place saved when you are signed in. No download or app is needed.
Is Evolution, Old & New free to read on Vinteuil?
The first chapter of Evolution, Old & New is free, without an account. To read the whole book, either buy its online reading for $2.99 (£2.99 in the UK) and keep it forever, or subscribe to Vinteuil Reading for $4.99/month (£4.99/month in the UK) or $39.99/year, with 1 month free for new subscribers. The subscription opens every book in the library and can be cancelled at any time.
Is Evolution, Old & New in the public domain?
Yes. Evolution, Old & New by Samuel Butler is a public-domain work. Vinteuil offers a carefully prepared digital edition made for comfortable reading on screen.
How long does it take to read Evolution, Old & New?
About 7 h 55 min of reading, at an average reading pace. Your place is saved automatically when you are signed in, so you can read in several sittings and on several devices.
What kind of book is Evolution, Old & New?
Evolution, Old & New by Samuel Butler is filed under "History" in the Vinteuil library.
