In the beginning of the eighteenth century, De Maillet…
![“In the beginning of the eighteenth century, De Maillet made the first serious attempt to apply the doctrine [ of evolution ] to the living world. In the latter part of it, Erasmus Darwin , Goethe , and Lamarck took up the work more vigorously and with better qualifications. The question of special…” quote by Thomas Henry Huxley](https://sms4smile.com/q/i/d37/thomas-henry-huxley-14414_biological-evolution_in-the-beginning-of-the-eighteenth-centu_2375328.jpg)
““In the beginning of the eighteenth century, De Maillet made the first serious attempt to apply the doctrine [ of evolution ] to the living world. In the latter part of it, Erasmus Darwin , Goethe , and Lamarck took up the work more vigorously and with better qualifications. The question of special creation, or evolution, lay at the bottom of the fierce disputes which broke out in the French Academy between Cuvier and St.-Hilaire ; and, for a time, the supporters of biological evolution were silenced, if not answered, by the alliance of the greatest naturalist of the age with their ecclesiastical opponents. Catastrophism, a short-sighted teleology, and a still more short-sighted orthodoxy, joined forces to crush evolution.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Early evolutionary ideas faced strong opposition from religious and scientific orthodoxy, delaying acceptance.
In simple terms: Early evolution ideas were suppressed.
Key Takeaway
Recognize how bias can stall progress.
Themes
science
history
conflict
Mood
critical
thoughtful
Type
historical
analytical
When to use this quote
- academic research
- public policy
- education reform
- science communication
Key Concepts
evolution
philosophy
dogma
Questions to Reflect On
- What modern ideas face similar resistance?
- How can we protect scientific discourse?
A Different Perspective
Opposition can also spur deeper inquiry and refinement.