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"On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection" is a seminal work written by Charles Darwin. First published in 1859, this book represents a landmark in the field of biology and is considered one of the most important scientific works ever written.In "On the Origin of Species," Charles Darwin presents his theory of evolution by natural selection. The central idea is that species evolve over time through the differential survival and reproduction of organisms with advantageous traits. Darwin provides a wealth of evidence from various scientific disciplines, including paleontology, embryology, and biogeography, to support his theory.The publication of this book had profound implications for the understanding of the diversity of life on Earth and challenged prevailing scientific and religious views at the time. Darwin's work laid the foundation for modern evolutionary biology and continues to influence scientific thought to this day.

For some years, much of my leisure time has been devoted to the study of the anatomy, development, and habits of the Annulosa, and especially of Insects, on which subjects I have published various memoirs, chiefly in the Transactions of the Royal, Linnæan, and Entomological Societies: of these papers I subjoin a list. Although the details, of which these memoirs necessarily for the most part consist, offer little interest, excepting to those persons who are specially devoted to Entomology, still there are portions which, having reference to the nature of metamorphoses and to the origin of insects, are of a more general character. I have also briefly referred to these questions in a Monograph of the Collembola and Thysanura, recently published by the Ray Society, and in the Opening Address to the Biological Section of the British Association at Brighton in 1872. Under these circumstances, it has been suggested to me that a small volume, containing, at somewhat greater length, in a more accessible form, and with the advantage of illustrations, the conclusions to which I have been led on this interesting subject, might not be altogether without interest to the general reader. The result, which has already appeared in the pages of _Nature_, is now submitted to the public, with some additions. I am well aware that it has no pretence to be in any sense a complete treatise; that the subject itself is one as to which our knowledge is still very incomplete, and on which the highest authorities are much divided in opinion. Whatever differences of opinion, however, there may be as to the views here put forward, the facts on which they are based will, I believe, be found correct. On this point I speak with the more confidence, on account of the valuable assistance I have received from many friends: to Mr. and Mrs. Busk and Dr. Hooker I am especially indebted.

"How to Read Human Nature" is a book written by William Walker Atkinson. Published in the early 20th century, Atkinson's work often delves into topics related to New Thought philosophy, mysticism, and self-help. "How to Read Human Nature" likely explores the art of understanding and interpreting human behavior and characteristics.William Walker Atkinson was a prolific writer and one of the key figures in the New Thought movement. His writings often blended elements of psychology, philosophy, and spirituality. In this particular book, readers can expect insights into human behavior, personality traits, and potentially methods for better understanding and interacting with others.As with many works from this period, the content may reflect the cultural and philosophical ideas prevalent during the early 1900s. If you have an interest in the historical development of self-help literature or the New Thought movement, "How to Read Human Nature" could provide an interesting perspective from that era. Keep in mind that the scientific rigor of such works may vary, and the ideas presented may be more reflective of the beliefs of the time than contemporary psychological understanding.

Since Logic derives from postulates, it never has, and never will, change a postulate. And a religious belief is a system of postulates ... so how can a man fight a native superstition with logic? Or anything else ...?Miles Gilbert watched the landscape slide away below him, its quilt of rounded treetops mottled red and orange in the double sunlight and, in shaded places, with the natural yellow of the vegetation of Kwannon. The aircar began a slow swing to the left, and Gettler Alpha came into view, a monstrous smear of red incandescence with an optical diameter of two feet at arm's length, slightly flattened on the bottom by the western horizon. In another couple of hours it would be completely set, but by that time Beta, the planet's G-class primary, would be at its midafternoon hottest. He glanced at his watch. It was 1005, but that was Galactic Standard Time, and had no relevance to anything that was happening in the local sky. It did mean, though, that it was five minutes short of two hours to 'cast-time. He snapped on the communication screen in front of him, and Harry Walsh, the news editor, looked out of it at him from the office in Bluelake, halfway across the continent. He wanted to know how things were going.

The ancients laid down the laws of literary form in prose as well as in verse, and bequeathed to posterity works which still serve as models of excellence. Their poets and historians continue to be read for the sake of the narrative and beauty of the style; their philosophers for breadth and depth of thought; and their orators for judicious analysis and impassioned eloquence. In the exact sciences, too, the ancients were conspicuous leaders by reason of the number and magnitude of the discoveries which they made. You have only to think of Euclid and his "Elements," of Apollonius and his Conics, of Eratosthenes and his determination of the earth's circumference, of Archimedes and his mensuration of the sphere, and of the inscription on Plato's Academy, Let none ignorant of geometry enter my door, to realize the fondness of the Greek mind for abstract truth and its suppleness and ingenuity in mathematical investigation. But the sciences of observation did not advance with equal pace; nor was this to be expected, as time is an essential element in experimentation and in the collection of data, both of which are necessary for the framing of theories in explanation of natural phenomena.

In order to emphasise the importance of the reforms introduced into astronomy by Kepler, it will be well to sketch briefly the history of the theories which he had to overthrow. In very early times it must have been realised that the sun and moon were continually changing their places among the stars. The day, the month, and the year were obvious divisions of time, and longer periods were suggested by the tabulation of eclipses. We can imagine the respect accorded to the Chaldaean sages who first discovered that eclipses could be predicted, and how the philosophers of Mesopotamia must have sought eagerly for evidence of fresh periodic laws. Certain of the stars, which appeared to wander, and were hence called planets, provided an extended field for these speculations. Among the Chaldaeans and Babylonians the knowledge gradually acquired was probably confined to the priests and utilised mainly for astrological prediction or the fixing of religious observances.

"Little Brother" is a novel written by Cory Doctorow. The book, published in 2008, falls within the science fiction and young adult genres. It explores themes of technology, privacy, civil liberties, and the consequences of living in a surveillance society.The story follows a teenage protagonist named Marcus Yallow, who becomes a key figure in a fight against increased government surveillance and the erosion of civil liberties after a terrorist attack in San Francisco. Marcus employs his technological skills to resist the oppressive measures implemented by authorities, leading to a narrative that raises questions about security, freedom, and the balance between the two.Cory Doctorow, known for his advocacy of digital rights and open access, brings his expertise and concerns about technology and its societal impact into the narrative. "Little Brother" has gained recognition for its thought-provoking exploration of contemporary issues, making it a relevant and engaging read, particularly for young adult audiences.

We live in and form part of a system of things of immense diversity and perplexity, which we call Nature; and it is a matter of the deepest interest to all of us that we should form just conceptions of the constitution of that system and of its past history. With relation to this universe, man is, in extent, little more than a mathematical point; in duration but a fleeting shadow; he is a mere reed shaken in the winds of force. But as Pascal long ago remarked, although a mere reed, he is a thinking reed; and in virtue of that wonderful capacity of thought, he has the power of framing for himself a symbolic conception of the universe, which, although doubtless highly imperfect and inadequate as a picture of the great whole, is yet sufficient to serve him as a chart for the guidance of his practical affairs. It has taken long ages of toilsome and often fruitless labour to enable man to look steadily at the shifting scenes of the phantasmagoria of Nature, to notice what is fixed among her fluctuations, and what is regular among her apparent irregularities; and it is only comparatively lately, within the last few centuries, that the conception of a universal order and of a definite course of things, which we term the course of Nature, has emerged.

The literature of Botany can be traced back to a quite respectable antiquity, to the period of Aristotle (b.c. 384-322) who seems to have been the first to write of plants from the truly botanical point of view. Unfortunately, his special treatise on plants¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ ¿¿¿¿ ¿¿¿¿¿¿is lost; and although there are many botanical passages scattered throughout his other writings (which have been collected by Wimmer, Phytologiae Aristotelicae Fragmenta, 1836), yet none of them gives any indication of what his ideas of classification may have been. An echo of them is perhaps to be found in the works of his favourite pupil, Theophrastus Eresius (b.c. 371-286), who among all his fellows was the most successful in pursuing the botanical studies that they had begun under the guidance of the master. Theophrastus left behind him two important, though incomplete, treatises on plants, the oldest that have survived: the more familiar Latin titles of which are De Historia Plantarum and [De Causis Plantarum]. The latter is essentially physiological, touching upon agriculture to a certain extent: the former is mainly morphological, structural, descriptive, and it is here that the first attempt at a classification of plants is to be found. In writing the Historia, Theophrastus was endeavouring, as a Greek philosopher rather than as a botanist, to "give account of" plants; and in order to do so he found it necessary to arrange them in some kind of order.

It is the wire age. Modern life, in all its intricate bearings, runs on wire. Wire everywhere; in the heavens above, the earth beneath and the waters under the earth. In all the legerdemain of science, which has put nature in bondage, wire is the indispensable agent. A curious, slow, finical little trade at which the smiths of forgotten races toiled and pottered and ruined their eyesight for unnumbered thousands of years has become, within less than a century, under the spur of modern need and modern driving power, the pack-bearer of the world and the mainspring of every activity from the cradle to the grave. Wire still makes toys and gewgaws as it always did, but it is no longer the plaything of vanity alone. Cancel wire and wire rope and their concomitant, ¿flat wire,¿ from the inventory of human assets tomorrow, and the world would stop stock-still.

"Man's Place in the Universe" is a book written by Alfred Russel Wallace, a British naturalist, biologist, and co-discoverer of the theory of evolution by natural selection. The book, published in 1903, explores Wallace's thoughts on the significance of humanity in the context of the cosmos.In "Man's Place in the Universe," Wallace discusses topics related to the nature of the universe, evolution, and the unique attributes of human beings. He considers philosophical and scientific questions about the place of humans in the grand scheme of existence, addressing both the biological aspects of evolution and the broader implications for human consciousness and purpose.Alfred Russel Wallace's work contributed significantly to the development of evolutionary theory, and "Man's Place in the Universe" reflects his broader interests in natural philosophy. The book provides insights into the worldview of a prominent 19th-century naturalist and the intellectual climate of the time.

THERE are certain days of the year when the immense wealth of spider industry going on all around us is revealed in a way calculated to strike even the least observant. We all know¿and derive no peculiarly pleasant thrill from the knowledge¿that we can, if so minded, find abundance of cobwebs and their occupants by visiting the cellar or the tool-house; and probably we have all at times noticed, with a languid interest, large circular webs on our favourite rose-bushes, with a spider motionless in the centre. But some spring or autumn morning, when the night has been foggy and the sun has only just succeeded in dispersing the mists, every bush and hedge is seen to be draped, every square foot of lawn and meadow to be carpeted with spiders¿ silk. There has been no special activity in the domain of these creatures, but every silken line is beaded with drops perhaps fifty times its diameter, and what yesterday required careful observation to detect is now visible yards away, and we realise for once something of the prodigious activity constantly going on though ordinarily unnoted. And it never entirely ceases. True hibernation, if it ever occurs, is not the rule among spiders, and there is no time of the year when some species may not be found at work. Beat trees or bushes over an old umbrella, or sweep grass and herbage with a sweeping net in summer, and you will never draw a blank¿some spiders are sure to be found. In winter such measures are profitless, but if you take the trouble to grub among ground vegetation, or shake fallen leaves over a newspaper, or search under stones or logs of wood you will have no difficulty in finding spiders enough, and by no means dormant. I have even seen an enthusiastic collector remove inches of snow and disinter rare species from among the roots of the grass beneath!

"Second Variety" is a science fiction short story written by Philip K. Dick. It was first published in 1953 and is part of Dick's collection of short stories. The story is set in a post-apocalyptic future where Earth is devastated by war, and two factions are locked in a conflict. The narrative explores themes of identity, trust, and the consequences of advanced technology.Philip K. Dick is known for his thought-provoking and often dystopian science fiction works. "Second Variety" is an example of his exploration of the impact of technology on society and the blurred lines between human and artificial intelligence.If you are a fan of Philip K. Dick's writing or enjoy science fiction that delves into philosophical and existential themes, "Second Variety" could be a compelling read. You may find it in collections of Dick's short stories or anthologies of science fiction literature.

"The Ascent of Denali (Mount McKinley)" is a book written by Hudson Stuck. Published in 1914, the book recounts the first ascent of Denali (Mount McKinley), the highest peak in North America, which took place in June 1913. Hudson Stuck, an Episcopal Archdeacon, led the expedition that successfully reached the summit.The book not only details the challenges and triumphs of the ascent but also provides insights into the natural beauty of the Alaskan wilderness surrounding Denali. Stuck's narrative captures the spirit of exploration and adventure prevalent during the early 20th century.For those interested in mountaineering, exploration, and the history of climbing Denali, "The Ascent of Denali" by Hudson Stuck is a significant work that documents a pioneering achievement in the world of mountain exploration.

This strange, topsy-turvey country, not content with having fruit with stones on the outside, has made the unique experiment of handing over its government to its peasantry! Other lands have at times fallen under the sway of the hoi-polloi, but this has always been temporary, and the result of some hysterical upheaval. But in Australia this has not been the case. The electors calmly and deliberately voted the Labour Party into power in April, 1910, and, since then, two of the six ridiculous States that this country of four and a-half millions has divided itself into have also calmly and deliberately decided, by majorities, to entrust their national guidance to butchers and bakers and candlestick-makers. That any body of people should do this¿even in a country where every man and woman, irrespective of education, wealth, or social position has a vote¿seems unintelligible to the English visitor. It certainly was unintelligible to me at first. It grew more of a mystery when I saw and heard several of the Labour leaders. Then I saw and heard the Liberal leaders, and I no longer wondered.

Persons who have yet to make their acquaintance with the early history of New South Wales will learn with surprise that the colony had been founded for almost a quarter of a century before the Blue Mountain barrier was crossed. For so long a period it was scarcely possible to proceed more than forty miles from Sydney in any direction. Many a despairing look must those early settlers have cast on the frowning ramparts of the range, which, leaving only a narrow margin between itself and the sea, threatened to convert the cradle of the colony into a Procrustes' bed, to which its dimensions would have to conform in the future, as they had done in the past. This sense of confinement was the harder to bear that it was met with in a land of freedom; and many a time did the caged eagle dash itself with fruitless rage against the bars of its prison. A record of the unsuccessful attempts to get beyond the main range would form a heroic chapter of our history, and one, too, of which we might well feel proud, if there is any truth in the saying that in great undertakings it is glorious even to fail. Within four months after the arrival of the "first fleet" our annals present a picture of Governor Phillip and party struggling laboriously westward to the gorges of the mountains.

"The Critic in the Orient" is a travelogue written by George Hamlin Fitch. Published in 1913, the book chronicles Fitch's experiences and observations as he travels through various countries in the Orient, providing insights into the cultures, customs, and landscapes of the region.George Hamlin Fitch, an American author and journalist, was known for his travel writings and works that explored different aspects of society. In "The Critic in the Orient," he likely offers a critical and analytical perspective on the places he visited, sharing his impressions of the Orient during the early 20th century.For readers interested in travel literature, cultural exploration, and the perspectives of Western travelers in the Orient during the early 1900s, "The Critic in the Orient" by George Hamlin Fitch offers a firsthand account of the author's journey through diverse and fascinating landscapes.

"The Game of Logic" is a book written by Lewis Carroll, the pen name of Charles Lutwidge Dodgson. Lewis Carroll is best known for his literary works such as "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" and "Through the Looking-Glass." "The Game of Logic" is one of his lesser-known works.Published in 1886, "The Game of Logic" is a mathematical and logical treatise designed as an educational tool. It is a board game accompanied by a book that introduces readers to various logical concepts and puzzles. The game involves the use of cards and a board to teach logical reasoning and deduction in a playful manner.As with much of Lewis Carroll's work, "The Game of Logic" showcases his interest in mathematics and logic, in addition to his whimsical and creative approach to teaching. While not as famous as his Alice stories, this work reflects Carroll's dedication to education and his desire to make learning engaging and enjoyable.

This story was rejected by two top-flight science-fiction editors for the same reason: "Too hot to handle." "Too dangerous for our book." We'd like to know whether or not the readers of Amazing Stories agree. Chalmers stopped talking abruptly, warned by the sudden attentiveness of the class in front of him. They were all staring; even Guellick, in the fourth row, was almost half awake. Then one of them, taking his silence as an invitation to questions found his voice. "You say Khalid ib'n Hussein's been assassinated?" he asked incredulously. "When did that happen?" There was no past¿no future¿only a great chaotic NOW. "In 1973, at Basra." There was a touch of impatience in his voice; surely they ought to know that much. "He was shot, while leaving the Parliament Building, by an Egyptian Arab named Mohammed Noureed, with an old U. S. Army M3 submachine-gun. Noureed killed two of Khalid's guards and wounded another before he was overpowered. He was lynched on the spot by the crowd; stoned to death. Ostensibly, he and his accomplices were religious fanatics; however, there can be no doubt whatever that the murder was inspired, at least indirectly, by the Eastern Axis." The class stirred like a grain-field in the wind. Some looked at him in blank amazement; some were hastily averting faces red with poorly suppressed laughter. For a moment he was puzzled, and then realization hit him like a blow in the stomach-pit. He'd forgotten, again.

"The Gasoline Motor" is a book written by Harold Whiting Slauson. This work likely provides information and insights into the operation, mechanics, and applications of gasoline engines or motors. Given the specificity of the title, it is likely focused on the internal combustion engines that run on gasoline, addressing topics such as their design, maintenance, and practical uses.Harold Whiting Slauson was an American author and engineer, and his book on the gasoline motor may have been intended as a guide or reference for individuals interested in understanding and working with internal combustion engines, which were becoming increasingly important during the early 20th century.For those interested in the history and development of gasoline engines or those involved in the maintenance and operation of such engines, "The Gasoline Motor" by Harold Whiting Slauson could provide valuable information from the time it was written.

"The Fertility of the Unfit" is a book written by William Allan Chapple. Published in 1903, the book reflects the eugenics movement that gained prominence during the early 20th century. Eugenics was a controversial social and scientific movement that aimed to improve the genetic quality of the human population through selective breeding and sterilization.In "The Fertility of the Unfit," Chapple likely explores and discusses the theories and ideas related to eugenics. The term "unfit" in this context often referred to individuals considered less desirable from a eugenic perspective, including those with perceived physical or mental disabilities.It's important to note that the ideas and practices associated with eugenics have been widely discredited and condemned due to their unethical and discriminatory nature. The eugenics movement has been criticized for promoting harmful and discriminatory policies, including forced sterilization and other forms of reproductive control. Understanding historical perspectives on eugenics can provide insights into the ethical challenges associated with scientific and social movements of the past.

"The Movements and Habits of Climbing Plants" is a book written by Charles Darwin. Originally published in 1875, it is a botanical work in which Darwin explores the behavior and adaptations of various climbing plants. This book is considered one of Darwin's later works, following his groundbreaking "On the Origin of Species."In "The Movements and Habits of Climbing Plants," Darwin investigates how certain plants exhibit climbing behaviors, the mechanisms they employ, and the advantages of climbing in their natural environments. He explores topics such as the role of twining, the movement of tendrils, and the ability of plants to adapt and reach for support in their surroundings.Darwin's observations and experiments in this book contribute to the broader understanding of plant biology and adaptation. While not as widely known as some of his other works, it reflects Darwin's meticulous approach to scientific inquiry and his curiosity about the natural world.

"The Mind of Primitive Man" is a book written by Franz Boas, a prominent anthropologist. Originally published in 1911, the book is considered a foundational work in the field of anthropology. Franz Boas is often regarded as one of the founding figures of modern anthropology in North America.In "The Mind of Primitive Man," Boas challenges the prevailing ideas of the time regarding the superiority or inferiority of different cultures. He argues against racial determinism and advocates for cultural relativism, asserting that cultural practices and beliefs should be understood within their specific historical and social contexts.The book addresses topics such as language, myth, art, and social organization among various Indigenous cultures, providing insights into the diversity of human thought and expression. Boas's approach laid the groundwork for a more nuanced and respectful understanding of different cultures, emphasizing the importance of studying societies in their own terms rather than imposing external judgments.

"The Story of Creation as Told by Theology and by Science" is a book written by Thomas Suter Ackland. This work likely explores the narratives of creation as presented by both theological perspectives and scientific understandings. The author, Thomas Suter Ackland, likely delves into the intersections and divergences between religious accounts of creation and the scientific explanations offered by contemporary knowledge.The book may present an analysis of how different worldviews approach and interpret the concept of creation. It's common for such works to explore the relationship between religious beliefs and scientific theories, providing readers with insights into the ongoing dialogue between theology and science.For those interested in the intersection of religion and science, particularly regarding the creation narrative, "The Story of Creation as Told by Theology and by Science" could offer a thoughtful exploration of these two perspectives.

Early that morning, Luke Huber stood before the Pennsylvania Railroad Station at Americus and fancied himself a latter-day crusader setting out to reconquer from the infidels the modern Holy City of God. He had graduated from the Harvard Law-School in the previous June. Now the Republican brother-in-law of one of his classmates, having been elected District-Attorney of corruptly Democratic New York, offered a place on his staff to Luke as soon as Huber should meet successfully the necessary formalities. This new public-prosecutor was to "clean up" the largest city in the country, and Luke, as his assistant, was to aid in restoring to the metropolis the ideals of the framers of the Constitution. A slim young man, with a smooth face too rugged to be handsome, and gray eyes too keen to be always dreaming, Huber stood erect, the wide collar of his woolen overcoat turned up, for the spring lingered that year in the valleys of Virginia, and the brim of his Alpine hat pulled over his nose. He disregarded the group of boys waiting for the "up-train" that would bring the Philadelphia morning newspapers to his native Pennsylvania town, disregarded the grimy station-buildings, and looked toward the river, where the morning mists were lifting and the cold sunshine was creeping through to light the Susquehanna hills.

"Nothing ever happens to me!" Larry Manahan grumbled under his breath, sitting behind his desk at the advertising agency which employed his services in return for the consideration of fifty a week. "All the adventure I know is what I see in the movies, or read about in magazines. What wouldn't I give for a slice of real life!" Unconsciously, he tensed the muscles of his six feet of lean, hard body. His crisp, flame-colored hair seemed to bristle; his blue eyes blazed. He clenched a brown hammer of a fist. Larry felt himself an energetic, red-blooded square peg, badly afflicted with the urge for adventure, miserably wedged in a round hole. It is one of the misfortunes of our civilization that a young man who, for example, might have been an excellent pirate a couple of centuries ago, must be kept chained to a desk. And that seemed to be Larry's fate. "Things happen to other people," he muttered. "Why couldn't an adventure come to me?" He sat, staring wistfully at a picture of a majestic mountain landscape, soon to be used in the advertising of a railway company whose publicity was handled by his agency, when the jangle of the telephone roused him with a start.

TALBOT had been working that day, far up in the Catalinas, looking over some mining prospects for his company, and was returning to the Mountain View Hotel in Oracle when, from the mouth of an abandoned shaft some distance back of that town, he saw a strange object emerge. "Hello," he said to Manuel, his young Mexican assistant, "what the devil can that be?" Manuel crossed himself swiftly. "Dios!" he exclaimed, "but it is a queer bird, señor." Queer, it certainly was, and of a species Talbot had never before laid eyes on. The bird stood on the crumbling rim of the mining shaft and regarded him with golden eyes. Its body was as large as that of a buzzard, and its head had a flat, reptilian look, unpleasant to see. Nor was that the only odd thing. The feathers glittered metallically, like blued copper, and a streak of glistening silver outlined both wings.