The Origin of Species · Character

Lamarck

A naturalist who proposed an early theory of evolution by acquired traits.

minor

Also known as Lamarck

First appearance: An Historical Sketch of the Progress of Opinion on the Origin of Species, Previously to the Publication of the First Edition of This Work

Lamarck shows up with force in An Historical Sketch of the Progress of Opinion on the Origin of Species, Previously to the Publication of the First Edition of This Work. The page is where that presence becomes real.

First to publish conclusions on species descent, attributing change to use and disuse, physical conditions, and a law of progressive development.

In the storyAn Historical Sketch of the Progress of Opinion on the Origin of Species, Previously to the Publication of the First Edition of This WorkOpen this moment free

See Lamarck in An Historical Sketch of the Progress of Opinion on the Origin of Species, Previously to the Publication of the First Edition of This Work Book page

Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.

In An Historical Sketch of the Progress of Opinion on the Origin of Species, Previously to the Publication of the First Edition of This Work: First to publish conclusions on species descent, attributing change to use…

Continue beside the text

The fuller portrait of Lamarck sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.

See Lamarck in An Historical Sketch of the Progress of Opinion on the Origin of Species, Previously to the Publication of the First Edition of This Work

Character Web

6 connections

A slice of how Lamarck sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Broad intellectual network
Protagonist

+1 more in the full Character Web

Open in reader

Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This passage marks the story's dramatic climax because Darwin shifts from a defensive posture against objectio…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

Follow the arc while reading

In the story

Lamarck appears across 5 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

An Historical Sketch of the Progress of Opinion on the Origin of Species, Previously to the Publication of the First Edition of This Work
First to publish conclusions on species descent, attributing change to use and disuse, physical conditions, and a law of progressive development.
On the Degree to Which Organisation Tends to Advance
Mentioned for his belief in an innate and inevitable tendency towards perfection, which led him to invoke spontaneous generation to explain the persistence of lowly forms.
Objections to the Theory of Natural Selection as Applied to Instincts: Neuter and Sterile Insects
Mentioned in the context of the doctrine of inherited habit, which Darwin contrasts with his own explanation.
Analogical Resemblances
Acknowledged as first to call attention to the distinction between real affinities and analogical resemblances.
Endnotes
Mentioned in the context of the date of his first publication and his views on species.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Lamarck unlock in the free preview.

See Lamarck in An Historical Sketch of the Progress of Opinion on the Origin of Species, Previously to the Publication of the First Edition of This Work