Reception of Darwin’s evolutionary theory in the work of John Lubbock (1834–1913) and William Crookes (1832–1919)
2016
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to show and describe the influence Charles Darwin's theory of evolution had on general scientific worldview in the United Kingdom, using two scientists as example. The first is Darwin's friend, a politician, banker, natural scientist and polymath, Sir John Lubbock (1834-1913), whose work is pervaded with the spirit of natural selection.
Lubbock was probably the first to apply the principles of natural selection to humans. The second part of this study is dedicated to William Crookes, a physicist and chemist (1832-1919), who applied the theory of natural selection to the origin and evolution of chemical elements.