On the Power, Wisdom and Goodness of God as Manifested in the Creation of Animals and in their History, Habits and Instincts

A clergyman and respected entomologist joins the debates about creation that preceded the Origin of Species.

William Kirby (Author)

9781108000741, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 20 July 2009

536 pages
21.6 x 14.1 x 3.2 cm, 0.75 kg

This extensively illustrated two-volume treatise, published in 1835, is one of a series commissioned by the Royal Society with funds bequeathed by the Earl of Bridgewater. William Kirby (1759–1850), Cambridge graduate, country parson and respected entomologist, here combines the study of the word of God with that of his works, aiming to disprove Lamarck's hypothesis that all the works of creation can be attributed to second causes, rather than a first cause, i.e. God. Kirby agrees with philosophers' objections to superstitious and bigoted adherence to the letter of scripture, but questions their lack of attention to its spirit. He explores the creation of animals in a spiritual context and goes on to consider the functions and instincts of the major animal groups. Volume 1 includes chapters on molluscs, cephalopods and worms. This book contributed to the intellectual debates that formed the background to Darwin's work on evolution.

Explanation of plates
Introduction
1. Creation of animals
2. Geographical distribution of ditto – Migrations of ditto – Local distribution of ditto
3. General functions and instincts of ditto
4. Functions and instincts – Infusions
5. Functions and instincts – Polypes
6. Functions and instincts – Radiaries
7. Functions and instincts – Tunicaries
8. Functions and instincts – Bivalve Molluscans
9. Functions and instincts – Univalve Molluscans
10. Functions and instincts – Cephalopods
11. Functions and instincts – Worms
12. Functions and instincts – Annelidans
Appendix
Notes and Illustrations.

Subject Areas: History of ideas [JFCX]