DARWIN'S BULLDOG
In 1859, Charles Darwin published his “Origin of Species” which was generally shocking and created a lot of controversy. Darwin was not interested in being a part of the controversy as it continued to grow. The “Origin of Species” was the convincing point of evolution for Thomas Huxley. Huxley took pleasure in getting involved and debating scientific issues. He defended Darwin’s theory with a passion repeatedly until his death.
Huxley was an active in the defense of Darwin’s evolution theory from the onset, and even dubbed himself “Darwin’s Bulldog.” His earliest defense was his pro-evolution review of the “Origin of Species” in the Times’ December, 1859 issue and continued with articles in other periodicals. He defended the theory in debates with Richard Owen and Oxford bishop Samuel Wilberforce.
In 1863, Thomas Huxley published his own defense of the evolution theory entitled “Zoological Evidences as to Man’s Place in Nature. It was the first work to claim mankind as a result of the evolution process. He also touched on theology and philosophy from an “agnostic” point of view. Agnostic is a term Huxley invented to describe those who believed that nothing is likely to be known of God or anything but material phenomena. Huxley’s many lectures on the subject were instrumental in the acceptance of Darwin’s theory of evolution by other scientists and the public.[6]
Katheryn M. Auton
Joshua Withers
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