Abstract
Franco Andrea Bonelli, a disciple of Lamarck, was one of the few naturalists who taught and disseminated transformism in Italy in the early nineteenth century. The explanation of the history of life on Earth offered by Lamarck’s theory was at odds with the Genesis narrative, while the issue of man’s place in nature raised heated debates. Bonelli sought to reconcile science and religion through his original interpretation of the variability of species, but he also focused on anthropological subjects. Following Blumenbach’s studies, he investigated the differences within the human species and explored the topic of humans’ alleged superiority over animals. The origin of human beings, their history, and their relationship with the rest of life were thus read in light of transformism. According to Bonelli, such questions would not do irreparable damage to the new theory. On the contrary, he considered evolution not only acceptable but even necessary to protect the Holy Texts from certain dangerous trends in anthropological and zoological research.
Highlights
Due to political fragmentation and the weakness of scientific institutions at the beginning of the nineteenth century, Italian natural history scholars took a great interest in the activities of the leading European research centers
Undertaking a challenging journey through the mountains, many scholars moved to the transalpine capital, where they had the opportunity to study museum collections that were far more organized and comprehensive than those available in Italy, as well as to meet leading scientists of the time
This was the path taken by Franco Andrea Bonelli (1784–1830), who distinguished himself as a solid supporter of Lamarck’s theories on the variability of species
Summary
Due to political fragmentation and the weakness of scientific institutions at the beginning of the nineteenth century, Italian natural history scholars took a great interest in the activities of the leading European research centers.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
