The Principles of Biology, Volume 2 (of 2)

A thorough, two‑volume treatise on the foundations of biology, this revised edition updates a classic work originally published in the 1860s. While retaining the core ideas that shaped early evolutionary thought, the author has added modest new material and clarified existing sections with notes, footnotes, and three supplemental appendices. The volume reflects the collaborative input of leading botanists and zoologists of its day, ensuring that plant morphology, plant physiology, animal morphology, and animal physiology are presented with contemporary rigor.

The new chapter concluding Part V, “The Integration of the Organic World,” ties the general theory of evolution to living organisms, offering a concise synthesis of the author’s earlier arguments. Throughout the text, concise revisions and explanatory notes illuminate complex concepts without overwhelming the reader. Ideal for listeners who enjoy a historical perspective on biology, the work balances scholarly depth with accessible explanations, making it a valuable resource for students and curious minds alike.