Darwinism: The New Driving Force in Biology

Abstract

Publication of “Origin” did not simply open further divisions between Creationists and Evolutionists; more importantly it heralded a period of intense, methodical and serious scientific research in the quest for solid evidence that would support the new theories. Huxley, Haeckel, Fritz Müller, Kovalesky, Kleinberg and others all contributed to developing Darwin’s theory, and embryology became a critical focus, especially in the quest for the ultimate ancestor. For marine science, the work of Anton Dohrn, inspired by Darwin, in establishing La Stazione Zoologica, and the many similar experimental research centres later established around the world, brought together international scholars and provided both a focus and laboratory space for serious marine science to take place.