A History of Biology - by Michel Morange

About the Book

Originally published in French as Une histoire de la biologie by âEditions du Seuil, 2016.

Book Synopsis

A comprehensive history of the biological sciences from antiquity to the modern era

This book presents a global history of the biological sciences from ancient times to today, providing needed perspective on the development of biological thought while shedding light on the field's upheavals and key breakthroughs through the ages. Michel Morange brings to life the dynamic interplay of science, society, and biology's many subdisciplines, enabling readers to better appreciate the interdisciplinary exchanges that have shaped the field over the centuries.

Each chapter of this incisive book focuses on a specific period in the history of biology, describing the major transformations that occurred, the enduring scientific concerns behind these changes, and the implications of yesterday's science for today's. Morange covers everything from the first cell theory to the origins of the concept of ecosystems, and offers perspectives on areas that are often neglected by historians of biology, such as ecology, ethology, and plant biology. Along the way, he highlights the contributions of technology, the important role of hypothesis and experimentation, and the cultural contexts in which some of the most breathtaking discoveries in biology were made.

Unrivaled in scope and written by a world-renowned historian of science, A History of Biology is an ideal introduction for students and experts alike, and essential reading for anyone seeking to understand the present state of biological knowledge.

Review Quotes

"A Choice Outstanding Academic Title of the Year"

"Compelling. . . . Morange simultaneously manages to present the facts with authority and to challenge the reader to think more deeply about what he writes."---Andrew Saintsing, Integrative and Comparative Biology

About the Author

Michel Morange is professor emeritus at the Institute for the History and Philosophy of Sciences and Techniques at the University of Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne. His books include The Black Box of Biology: A History of the Molecular Revolution, Life Explained, and The Misunderstood Gene.