{"product_id":"a-preliminary-discourse-on-the-study-of-natural-history-paperback-9781108005234","title":"A Preliminary Discourse on the Study of Natural History (Paperback \/ softback) 9781108005234","description":"\u003cfont face=\"Georgia\"\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cfont size=\"6\"\u003eA Preliminary Discourse on the Study of Natural History\u003c\/font\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\r\n\r\n\r\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eA treatise on zoological research, emphasising the importance of classification and taxonomy, this was an important precursor to Darwin's work.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eWilliam Swainson (Author)\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cfont size=\"3\"\u003e9781108005234, Cambridge University Press\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cfont size=\"3\"\u003ePaperback \/ softback, published 24 September 2009\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cfont size=\"3\"\u003e480 pages\u003cbr\u003e21.6 x 14 x 2.7 cm, 0.61 kg\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\u003cp align=\"justify\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cfont size=\"3\"\u003eWilliam Swainson F. R. S., was recognised principally as a zoologist, an ornithologist and a skilled and prolific illustrator. He also had a tremendous enthusiasm for seeking and identifying new species. In this 1834 volume however, Swainson addressed the nature of, foundations for and successful pursuit of zoology. It argues firmly for the key importance of taxonomy. Swainson was an ardent advocate of MacLeay's now entirely outmoded 'quinary' system of classification – even then a distinctly minority view. This sought affinities, patterns and analogies among organisms, in order to discern God's order. More than a mere curiosity, such work was of pivotal concern to enterprising naturalists of the 1820s and 1830s – including the young Charles Darwin. It also reached Robert Chambers, whose 1844 Vestiges of the Natural History of Creation was an important landmark in the development of the theory of evolution.\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cfont size=\"3\"\u003ePart I. Rise and Progress of Zoology\u003cbr\u003e Part II. On the General Nature and Advantages of the Study of Natural History\u003cbr\u003e Part III. Of the Principles on which Natural History Relies for Its Successful Prosecution and the Considerations by which the Natural System may Developed\u003cbr\u003e Part IV. On the Present State of Zoological Science in Britain and on the Means Best Calculated for Its Encouragement and Extension.\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cfont size=\"3\"\u003eSubject Areas: History of engineering \u0026amp; technology [\u003ca title=\"See our other books on History of engineering \u0026amp; technology\" href=\"https:\/\/freshlyprintedbooks.co.uk\/search?q=%22History%20of%20engineering%20\u0026amp;%20technology%20%5BTBX%5D%22\"\u003eTBX\u003c\/a\u003e]\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\r\n\u003c\/font\u003e","brand":"Cambridge University Press","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46265911574808,"sku":"9781108005234","price":38.89,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0730\/2037\/5320\/products\/9781108005234i_0163a995-f052-4836-9e57-7d49cebe8c73.jpg?v=1694867252","url":"https:\/\/freshlyprintedbooks.co.uk\/products\/a-preliminary-discourse-on-the-study-of-natural-history-paperback-9781108005234","provider":"Freshly Printed Books","version":"1.0","type":"link"}