Consultation in Internal Medicine

The first section begins with an historical and philosophical account of scientific theory; it discusses the difficulties encountered in establishing biology as a separate entity, apart from the determinist perspective of the classical physical sciences. Mayr eloquently argues against the notion of reducing organisms to the physical-chemical principles of classical science. According to Mayr, organisms simply cannot be placed into the conceptual framework of deterministic laws. Instead, biological theories can only be probabilistic; exceptions will exist. Yet Mayr believes that this is entirely acceptable and presents it so candidly and eloquently that one wonders why such controversy still continues. Mayr's ability to clarify even the most perplexing concepts of evolutionary theory, presenting each argument with wit and cogency, make this enjoyable reading for both the casual reader and the ardent evolutionist. He discusses all aspects of the evolutionary debate, from his strong affirmation of Darwinism, his treatises on natural selection, adaptation, and speciation, to his criticism of neo-Darwinists. The final chapter offers an excellent critique of the development and modification of Darwinism, bringing together all aspects of the evolutionary debate. This is a truly exciting book, remarkable not only for the candor with which it details a complex and controversial field of science, but for the provocative ideas it inspires in each essay. Those with even a mild curiosity about evolution are encouraged to read this book. MAY C. CHEN Medical Student Yale University School ofMedicine