Like a good paleontologist almost can not not like Gould. His way of telling the nature and evolution is very exciting. I have read several collections of his essays, but still pretty old. It 's the first time I read a collection among the most recent, and hit me in many ways, some even negative.
Firstly it is clear that Gould is more mature. His legendary style acquires more depth, appear the most current issues and "committed" (including the relationship between man and environment in our society), and increasing incursions into unexpected areas (a beautiful essay on the mechanisms of memory). There is also a fairly detailed discussion of his theory of punctuated equilibrium.
The book is very long, there are 31 essays, more than 500 pages. From my point of view I would have preferred rather two books, would have been much lighter and more enjoyable. The text is
divided into several sections. The first analyzes the relationship between man and environment effects of human activities on some ecosystems. The theme is very interesting and treated with great skill, but I have not read it with pleasure, made me reflect and saddened (as indeed it is right that is).
The second part deals with four themes that anyone who has studied vertebrate paleontology is very familiar: the convergence of marine reptiles and fish, in particular ichthyosaur and shark, and the evolution of the auditory ossicles in the transition between reptiles and amphibians and then between reptiles and mammals, the evolutionary relationship between lung and bladder and the history of the arts in five fingers. E 'section that I liked more, I recalled the wonderful lessons of vertebrate paleontology. To my knowledge, Gould has written a textbook on this subject, and if so I find it a shame, his prose enthralling and interesting topic it would have done a very nice book.
The third speaks of the influence of historical, philosophical and social scientific theories and their understanding. Allows for reflection on some errors that often appears when we study the theories developed in the past. In these cases it is tempting to read with our eyes, not with those who wrote them, with the risk of misunderstanding sensational. I especially loved the story of famous biblical chronology proposed by Ussher fixing the date of the creation in 4004 BC: I did not know much and I really enjoyed finding out about what basis has been established and because of his fame.
The fourth section is entitled "Meditations" and submit that Gould might call a philosopher who asked about the relationship we have with the past. Our point of view of the past is conditioned by a number of assumptions inherent in our nature, in part, partly induced by the historical context in which we live. It 's always important to know our limits and those trying to take them into account when possible.
The fifth part is a pleasant surprise, is the condition of human evolution. Very interesting the essay on Mozart, which demonstrates once more the great ability of Gould in interdisciplinary work.
From here on, the book becomes quite technical. If these chapters were placed in a paper shorter than I would have appreciated much more, but I must admit that I have read with difficulty and I was a bit 'bored. The last part I read it really forced to finishing the book, maybe I should take up more calmly. Duty except the essay on ' Hallucigenia , which I found very interesting.
In short it is a very interesting book for fans and for those who know something, quite confusing for those not familiar with the subject. Most of the essays, taken alone, are very affordable, but not share the decision to bring together so many and varied in a book so long.
10 and praise to Gould, a 6 - publisher
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