We often think of scientific ideas, such as Darwin's theory of evolution, as fixed notions that are accepted as finished. In fact, Darwin's On the Origin of Species evolved over the course of several editions he wrote, edited, and updated during his lifetime. The first English edition was approximately 150,000 words and the sixth is a much larger 190,000 words. In the changes are refinements and shifts in ideas — whether increasing the weight of a statement, adding details, or even a change in the idea itself.
What a spectacular visualization of Darwin’s On the Origin of Species.
Richard Carter will love this if he’s not seen it.
@richardcarter will love this if he hasn’t seen it.
@chrisaldrich Bookmarked for my weekend reading, thanks. My current book contains a chapter on how Darwin’s theory evolved during the 20 years he spent researching it prior to publication. I also mention how he kept tweaking it in later editions (not always for the better). Like Darwin, I’m also an incorrigible tweaker, so am keeping lists of stuff I might want to refer to in later drafts.
@chrisaldrich P.S. Oh, yes (now I’ve looked)… I have seen it before. It was put together during the Darwin bicentennial celebrations in 2009, if memory serves. The internet is very good for this kind of thing!