Join the club!

I was reading Alfred Russel Wallace‘s book on Darwinism and Wallace said in the preface that many had sought to discount or “object to Darwin’s theory” on the basis of heredity and its influence on natural selection.  (Among other objections cited.)

Join the club.  I am in that camp.  Much of Darwin’s “descent” can be followed with simple Punnett squares.  Punnett squares (video) show how traits can be passed unnoticed through generations and then suddenly reappear as “sport” varieties or can revert to ancestral states.  Don’t get me wrong, I am a fan of Darwin.  I don’t agree with all of the “destinations” of his ideas.  I want to take time and ponder Darwin and Wallace as scientists.  You might enjoy the journey as well.

Please “share” with like-minded people by email or text.  You may be too fearful of social media, but please pass this on to people who might be interested.  Thanks in advance.

By the way,  a biology student at my school when learning that I was a Darwin student, asked me the following question.

Student:  “Dr. Barnes, have you thought about reading the publications of Darwin’s friend?”

Me: “You mean Alfred Russel Wallace?

Student:  “Yes!”

Me:  “Good idea!”

So after searching the internet, I found a lovely 1891 copy of “Darwinism:  An exposition of the theory of natural selection with some of its applications,”  by Alfred Russel Wallace.

I am planning to keep working this blog series on Alfred Russel Wallace as I continue reading the book.  Stay tuned.  I am searching for more understanding myself.