1755 Copperplate engraving from Georges-Louis Leclerc,Compte de Buffon "Histoire Naturelle" Volume 5,Plate LII. (Buvee L'Ameriquain del. et L. le Grand sculp). Showing variability in the first digit of the hind foot of 'Chien Matin' a type of Mastiff dog breed. Buffon noted that variability was inherent in organisms. Darwin wrote in the fourth edition of The Origin of Species "the first author who in modern times has treated it (evolution) in a scientific spirit was Buffon. But his opinions fluctuated greatly at different periods,and as he does not enter on the causes or means of the transformation of species,I need not here enter on details". Buffon was no evolutionist and insisted on the fixity of species - but he did also see species as liable to change and prone to variation,and saw such processes as being under environmental control. He raised evolutionary issues into debate | |
Lizenzart: | Lizenzpflichtig |
Credit: | Science Photo Library / Stewart, Paul D. |
Bildgröße: | 3602 px × 4852 px |
Modell-Rechte: | nicht erforderlich |
Eigentums-Rechte: | nicht erforderlich |
Restrictions: | - |