Evolution and the Triumph of Homology, or Why History Matters

摘要: In 1912, when the nation both needed and still had a good five cent cigar, Sigma Xi spent three dollars to rent hall for its annual banquet. Receipts 1912 totaled $646.42 against expenses of $160.22 (including that bucks), leaving balance $486.20, fine improvement from 1911 surplus $295.67. Our society then included 8,200 members, 2,176 listed as active. year, also decided, first time, publish journal, Quarterly (renamed American Scientist in 1942). his //Salutatory,, very issue, president (and paleontologist) S. W. WUliston wrote on page 1, volume number 1: "Since begin ning has stood encouragement investigation, research, rather mmmtmmmiim^^^^mii than mere acquisition knowledge." 1886 founders chosen their motto "Com panions Zealous Research"?a phrase we have happily retained despite archaic ring. The original zealots were an uncompromising lot. Some roamed public places with hid den daggers strike down support ers Rome; others committed mass suicide at Masada. They were, above all, men action?the doers generation. chose mmmi^l^mm?mmm words well. Science is doing, not just clever thinking. As Williston noted, our stands action expressed research. I been assigned impossible task encap sulating intellectual impact evolution, other sciences upon general, during past 100 years. this fundamental definition prologue because want argue Darwin's most enduring generally underestimated (or underesteemed). will hold theory is, foremost, guide research?the workable program ever presented evolution. Darwin was, historical methodolo gist. His taught us importance history, doing triumph homology over causes order. History science different kind?pursued, done well, all power rigor ascribed more traditional styles science.