Discusses the authors thoughts after reading Darwin's "The Origin of Species" and Huxley's "Darwiniana"--a collection of writings on evolution and Darwin. Also discusses theories of evolution. (PR)

Provides information on early written accounts of fossils and contrasts historical phases regarding their organic or inorganic origin. Topic areas discussed include the deluge as a stimulant to geological investigation, stratigraphic sequences and earth history, extinction, faunal succession and organic evolution, and fossil evidence of…

Reviews the history of science and religion in the United States, examining: (1) science and religion in the colonies; (2) science and scripture in the early republic; (3) the Darwinian debates; and (4) science and religion in modern America. (JN)

Discusses a 20-year period in British geology (1820-1840), focusing on a theory proposed by Reverend William Buckland in his "reliquiae diluvianae of Relics of the Flood." Indicates that this flood theory, the centerpiece of modern creationism, was disproved by professional clergymen who were also geologists, scientists, and…

Discusses some principles of biological taxonomy. The evolutionary principle in taxonomy and its limitations, and the difference in evolutionary patterns between plants and animals, are also discussed. (HM)

Author asserts that many historical anecdotes used in science instruction have little basis in reality. The purpose of this paper is to provide a critique of the way in which the "Wilberforce and Huxley debate at Oxford" anecdote is employed in the teaching of evolution and to suggest a more positive role for this incident in science…

Discusses the differences between iron and copper. Describes various aspects of the behaviors of these two elements, including those of biological and environmental significance. Addresses the evolution of the atmosphere and sedimentary ore formation, the phylogeny of iron and copper, and some anthropological notes regarding the use of the metals.…

Through a series of fictionalized diary entries based on Marjorie Courtenay-Latimer's own writings, this case recounts the "discovery" in South Africa in 1938 of a fish believed to be extinct for over 70 million years. The case was developed for use in an introductory freshman biology course. In this setting, it could be used as a…

Describes some of the contributions made by the field of paleontology to theories in geology and biology. Suggests that the two best examples of modern evolutionary paleontology relate to the theory of punctuated equilibria, and the possibility that mass extinctions may be cyclic. (TW)

Refutes scientific creationists' arguments that the earth is less than 10,000 years old by presenting information related to the time scales for creation and evolution models, times from stellar distances, Kelvin's estimate of the earth's age, radioactive decay, radiometric dating, and the decay of the earth's magnetic field. (DC)

Provides an index to all major articles and "Noted in the Current Journals" columns published in "Mercury" during 1977-1986. Articles are referenced under subject categories, listed in chronological order starting with the most recent. (TW)