Jean-Baptiste Lamarck
Proposed an early theory of evolution based on the inheritance of acquired characteristics, though later superseded by Darwin's theory.
Most quoted
"It is not the organs, that is to say, the nature and form of the parts of the body of an animal, which have given rise to its habits and its particular faculties. It is, on the contrary, its habits, its manner of life, and the circumstances in which its ancestors have found themselves, which have, in the course of time, really constituted the form of its body, the number and state of its organs, and, in short, the faculties which it possesses."
— from Philosophie Zoologique, 1809
"Second Law: All the acquisitions or losses wrought by nature on individuals, through the influence of the environment in which their race has long been placed, and hence through the influence of the predominant use or permanent disuse of any organ; all these are preserved by reproduction to the new individuals which arise, provided that the acquired modifications are common to both sexes, or at least to the individuals which produce the young."
— from Philosophie Zoologique, 1809
"It is not the organs, that is to say, the nature and form of the parts of the body, that have given rise to their habits and particular faculties, but it is, on the contrary, their habits, their manner of life, and the circumstances in which the individuals of which the race is formed have found themselves, that have with time constituted the form of the body, the number and state of their organs, and finally the faculties which they possess."
— from Philosophie Zoologique, 1809
All quotes by Jean-Baptiste Lamarck (412)
The formation of species is not a sudden act, but a slow and gradual process.
The diversity of life is the result of the diversity of circumstances.
The power of life is immense, and its effects are inexhaustible.
The study of fossils is essential for understanding the history of life.
The earth has undergone immense changes over time, and these changes have influenced the development of life.
The organization of animals is perfectly adapted to their environment.
The chain of being is not fixed, but constantly evolving.
The most important thing in science is to observe and to reason.
The progress of knowledge is slow, but sure.
The true scientist is one who is always open to new ideas.
The study of nature is a source of endless wonder and delight.
The universe is governed by immutable laws.
The human mind is capable of understanding the most complex phenomena.
The pursuit of truth is the noblest endeavor of man.
The greatest discoveries are often made by those who dare to challenge established ideas.
The history of life is a history of continuous transformation.
The study of nature reveals the wisdom of the Creator.
The diversity of forms in nature is infinite.
The progress of life is towards greater perfection.
The forces of nature are constantly at work, shaping and transforming the world.
Contemporaries of Jean-Baptiste Lamarck
Other Biologys born within 50 years of Jean-Baptiste Lamarck (1744–1829).