Darwin's First Theory by Rob Wesson (English) Paperback Book

Description: Darwin's First Theory by Rob Wesson An acclaimed geologist leads the reader on an adventure through the landscape that absorbed and inspired Charles Darwin. FORMAT Paperback LANGUAGE English CONDITION Brand New Publisher Description Everybody knows--or thinks they know--Charles Darwin, the father of evolution and the man who altered the way we view our place in the world. But what most people do not know is that Darwin was on board the HMS Beagle as a geologist--on a mission to examine the land, not flora and fauna.Tracing Darwins footsteps in South America and beyond, geologist Rob Wesson sets out on a trek across the Andes, repeating the nautical surveys made by the Beagles crew, hunting for fossils in Uruguay and Argentina, and explores traces of long vanished glaciers in Scotland and Wales. By following Darwins path literally and intellectually, Rob experiences the landscape that absorbed Darwin, followed his reasoning about what he saw, and immerses himself in the same questions about the earth. Upon Darwins return from the five-year journey, he conceived his theory of tectonics--his first theory. These concepts and attitudes--the vastness of time; the enormous cumulative impact of almost imperceptibly slow change; change as a constant feature of the environment--underlie his subsequent discoveries in evolution. And this peculiar way of thinking remains vitally important today as we enter the Anthropocene. Author Biography Rob Wesson received a BS in earth science from MIT, and an MS and PhD in geophysics from Stanford University. His career in earthquake research with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) spans four decades. He is currently a Scientist Emeritus at the USGS and his work has been supported by grants from the National Science Foundation. When not traveling to South America or elsewhere, Rob divides his time between his home in Evergreen, Colorado, and the cabin he built near McCarthy, Alaska. Review A lively, readable account of field experiences while chasing the records in southern Chile of several of Earths most severe earthquakes. A very welcome addition to the history of the geosciences.--Robert H. Dott, Jr., Geologist and Historian of Geology, University of WisconsinA wonderful evocation of Darwins great theory of subsidence and uplift, the substrate of his later, explosive discovery of evolution.An absorbing read about the man who might have been remembered as the father of geophysics if he hadnt come up with an even more spectacular idea. Darwin wasnt always right, but by discussing his errors as well as his triumphs, this warts-and-all account highlights the way real science works, with lessons as relevant today as they were two hundred years ago.--John Gribbin, author of "Fitzroy" and "Einsteins Masterwork"An exciting scientific travelogue. Indispensable reading for rock hounds and fans of natural history.An illuminating retelling of a neglected episode in epoch-making science.An impressive addition to the huge body of literature on Darwin and his work. Wesson has a broad understanding and a deep familiarity with primary and secondary sources on Darwin and his contemporaries--and he has a master storytellers talent for engaging and illuminating narrative.Distinguished seismologist Rob Wesson left his desk and followed Darwins footsteps. He traces Darwins pioneering development of geological theories of a dynamic earth and illuminates the growth in science leading to our modern understanding of plate tectonics.--George Thompson, Professor Emeritus, Stanford UniversityReaders interested in Darwin, the earth sciences, and field-based research will find this well worth their time.Rob Wesson has done a magnificent job of blending current science, a thorough historical understanding, and his own geological experience into a captivating account of Charles Darwins first theory: the one about how the Earth evolved. Wesson has retraced Darwins footsteps to better understand the giant earthquakes which then, as now, can massively devastate the places they occur. Id certainly encourage anyone interested in the Earth to join Wesson and Darwin on their travels.--Duncan Agnew, Professor of Geophysics, Scripps Institution of Oceanography Review Quote "Rob Wessons Darwins First Theory dares, thank goodness, to work some of the rare Darwinian territory that is actually unexplored." Details ISBN1681777509 Author Rob Wesson Short Title DARWINS 1ST THEORY Publisher Pegasus Books Language English ISBN-10 1681777509 ISBN-13 9781681777504 Format Paperback DEWEY 551 Year 2018 Publication Date 2018-06-12 Imprint Pegasus Books Country of Publication United States AU Release Date 2018-06-12 NZ Release Date 2018-06-12 US Release Date 2018-06-12 UK Release Date 2018-06-12 Pages 480 Audience General We've got this At The Nile, if you're looking for it, we've got it. With fast shipping, low prices, friendly service and well over a million items - you're bound to find what you want, at a price you'll love! TheNile_Item_ID:125099132;

Price: 44.22 AUD

Location: Melbourne

End Time: 2025-01-25T03:03:14.000Z

Shipping Cost: 0 AUD