Darwin's Man in Brazil: The Evolving Science of Fritz Müller

by David A. West

Overview

Fritz Müller (1821-1897), though not as well known as his colleague Charles Darwin, belongs in the cohort of great nineteenth-century naturalists. Recovering Müller's legacy, David A. West describes the close intellectual kinship between Müller and Darwin and details a lively correspondence that spanned seventeen years. The two scientists, despite living on separate continents, often discussed new research topics and exchanged groundbreaking ideas that unequivocally moved the field of evolutionary biology forward. Müller was unique among naturalists testing Darwin's theory of natural selection because he investigated an enormous diversity of plants and animals, corresponded with prominent scientists, and published important articles in Germany, England, the United States, and Brazil. Darwin frequently praised Müller's powers of observation and interpretation, counting him among those scientists whose opinions he valued most. Despite the importance and scope of his work, however, Müller is known for relatively few of his discoveries. West remedies this oversight, chronicling the life and work of this remarkable and overlooked man of science.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780813063713
Publisher:	University Press of Florida
Publication date:	10/08/2018
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	344
File size:	9 MB

About the Author

David A. West (1933–2015) was associate professor emeritus of biological sciences at Virginia Tech and the author of Fritz Müller: A Naturalist in Brazil.

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

"The thoroughly researched, well-illustrated, and definitive account of an important period, place, and scientist in the history of evolutionary biology."—Edward O. Wilson, author of The Meaning of Human Existence

Editorial Reviews

"This fine biography of Fritz Müller (1821–97) explains how he helped Darwin shape his ideas on mimicry. . . . Ideal for students of natural history, historians of science, and other scholars."—Choice "A treasure trove of information for anyone interested in the development of the theory of natural selection."—Isis "Situates Müller’s research at the cutting edge of nineteenth-century natural science. Müller emerges here . . . as an essential figure in an active and collaborative scientific network."—Quarterly Review of Biology "The depth and scope of research on this singular figure is impressive."—H-Net "Offers an unfiltered view into science of the mid-nineteenth century, when evolutionary theory had its origins. West makes this world tangible, with all of its pleasures and challenges. . . . This book is a wonderful addition to the library of any evolutionary biologist or natural historian and is a pleasant foray into the lives of nineteenth-century naturalists."—American Entomologist

From the Publisher