Darwin's Gifts - Special Issue, The Lancet

Main Category: Biology / Biochemistry
Also Included In: Genetics
Article Date: 22 Dec 2008 - 7:00 PDT

email to a friend   printer friendly   opinions  

The philosopher Daniel Dennett once wrote: "If I were to give an award for the single best idea anyone has ever had, I'd give it to Darwin, ahead of Newton and Einstein and everyone else." He is not alone in his praise for Charles Darwin. Evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins and neuroscientist Steven Rose, to name but two, can also be counted among contemporary fans. This single best idea - evolution by natural selection - is the foremost contribution to science that has changed the way we think about ourselves, our origins, and the rich diversity of life forms with which we share this planet.

To mark in 2009 the bicentennial of the birth of Darwin - on Feb 12 - and the 150th anniversary of the publication of On the Origin of Species - on Nov 24 - The Lancet has commissioned a commemorative book of essays about Darwin's life and work and the enduring legacy of his remarkable theory of evolution. These were Darwin's gifts to all of us; on the occasion of these anniversaries, this book is our gift to you.

Click here for the Special Issue of Darwin's Gifts

Source
Tony Kirby
Press Officer
The Lancet
32 Jamestown Road
Camden
London
NW1 7BY
The Lancet

• Additional
• References
• Citations