Darwin, and After Darwin, Volume 2 of 3 Post-Darwinian Questions: Heredity and Utility

"Darwin, and After Darwin, Volume 2" by George John Romanes is a scientific exploration into the ideas that bloomed after Darwin’s initial discoveries, especially those grappling with how traits are passed down and their usefulness in evolution, providing a deep dive into the scientific arguments of the late 1800s about what drives evolution and the inheritance of qualities. The book begins by summarizing Darwin's original concepts, stressing that natural selection isn't the only force at play, and considers the views of other important thinkers like Alfred Russel Wallace and August Weismann, setting the stage for a thorough look at the tough questions and disagreements that molded our view of evolution. The author invites readers to explore complex discussions, contrasting the idea of acquiring traits during life versus the standard concept of natural selection, to understand the era's core scientific debates.