# Milne Edwards — The Origin of Species character guide

> Milne Edwards in The Origin of Species by Charles Darwin.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** Milne Edwards

**First appearance:** 0004-i-variation-under-domestication

## Who they are

A French zoologist who studied physiology and division of labor.

## In the story

### [Divergence of Character](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_origin_of_species_se/chapters/divergence-of-character)

Darwin references Milne Edwards' work on the physiological division of labour as analogous to the advantage of diversification of structure in inhabitants of the same region.

### [On the Degree to Which Organisation Tends to Advance](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_origin_of_species_se/chapters/on-the-degree-to-which-organisation-tends-to-advance)

His concept of the completeness of the division of physiological labour is referenced as an alternative expression for the standard of high organisation.

### [Special Difficulties of the Theory of Natural Selection](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_origin_of_species_se/chapters/special-difficulties-of-the-theory-of-natural-selection)

Quoted for the maxim 'Nature is prodigal in variety, but niggard in innovation,' supporting the idea that natural selection produces gradual change.

### [XIV: Mutual Affinities of Organic Beings: Morphology—Embryology—Rudimentary Organs—Classification](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_origin_of_species_se/chapters/xiv-mutual-affinities-of-organic-beings-morphology-embryology-rudimentary-organs-classification)

Cited for his emphasis on the importance of looking to types in classification.

### [On the Nature of the Affinities Connecting Organic Beings](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_origin_of_species_se/chapters/on-the-nature-of-the-affinities-connecting-organic-beings)

Milne Edwards is cited for his recent paper emphasizing the importance of looking to types in classification.

## Links

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