On the Origin of Species

States the evidence for a theory of evolution, explains how evolution takes place, and discusses instinct, hybridism, fossils, distribution, and classification, in a volume that includes explanatory notes and background information. Before the "Origin of Species", accepted thinking held that life was the static and perfect creation of God. By a single, systematic argument Darwin called this view into question. This edition includes brief biographies of some of the most important scientific thinkers leading up to and surrounding the "Origin of Species".