Darwin's Luck: Chance and Fortune in the Life and Work of Charles Darwin

Darwin's Luck: Chance and Fortune in the Life and Work of Charles Darwin
by: Patrick H. Armstrong (Author)
Publisher: Continuum
Publication Date: 2009/4/15
Language: English
Print Length: 216 pages
ISBN-10: 1847251501
ISBN-13: 9781847251503
Book Description
One might make a case for saying that Darwin's life was dogged by bad luck. His mother died when he was seven; he was sent to a school at which he 'learnt little'; he left medical school after two years, unqualified. Two of his children died in infancy. On the other hand one could argue that he had a privileged and fortunate life - perhaps the more common view. Patrick H. Armstrong contends that although Darwin came to the right conclusions, he did not actually follow the right path in getting there. While his science was sometimes flawed, he had the distinct knack of good instinct. Armstrong presents a fresh view of Darwin's life and methods.
About the Author
One might make a case for saying that Darwin's life was dogged by bad luck. His mother died when he was seven; he was sent to a school at which he 'learnt little'; he left medical school after two years, unqualified. Two of his children died in infancy. On the other hand one could argue that he had a privileged and fortunate life - perhaps the more common view. Patrick H. Armstrong contends that although Darwin came to the right conclusions, he did not actually follow the right path in getting there. While his science was sometimes flawed, he had the distinct knack of good instinct. Armstrong presents a fresh view of Darwin's life and methods. Read more