Evolutionism in the reports of the Barcelona Academy of Sciences at the end of 19th century

Authors

  • Raimon Sucurrats Riera Centre d'Estudis d'Història de la Ciència (CEHIC), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona

Keywords:

evolutionism, creationism, RACAB, natural history, Barcelona in the 19th century

Abstract

At the end of 19th century, after the publication of The Origin of Species by Charles Darwin, there were heated controversies between the followers and detractors of evolutionism. This debate was present in diverse manifestations of scientific activity in Barcelona. Some of the best-known representatives of science in this city were members of the Barcelona Royal Academy of Arts and Sciences (RACAB). They wrote interesting reports which were read in academy sessions. These reports are preserved in the Academy’s Archive in manuscript form. Sixteen manuscripts of this period dealing with evolutionism have been studied. It has been demonstrated that most of the members of RACAB were creationists and clearly opposed to the idea of evolution. This position against evolutionism was defended with ideological or scientific arguments, depending on the author.

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Issue

Nova època, vol. 3 (2) : 2010

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Articles

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