A History of Embryology - 1959

From ancient Greek theories to modern developmental biology, Joseph Needham traces the fascinating evolution of embryological thought in this pivotal aggregation of humanity's quest to understand the origins of life itself. . This comprehensive work explores how our understanding of life's earliest stages developed, from Aristotle's observations, through Harvey's groundbreaking experiments, to the revolutionary discoveries of the 19th and 20th centuries. Needham examines the philosophical debates between preformation and epigenesis, the emergence of cell theory, and the experimental methods that transformed embryology into a rigorous science. Essential reading for biologists, historians of science, and anyone curious about how we came to understand the miracle of development from egg to organism. A History of Embryology - Joseph Needham Published 1959, Abelard-Schuman, New York Hardcover. Approx. 6.5x9.5in. 304pp. Dustjacket is pretty trashed with numerous chips and tears, and heavily foxed on the back. Book itself is in decent vintage condition, some wear at spine ends. Name of a previous owner on inside front board.