'The illustrious comparative anatomist, Huxley, Darwin's great general in the battles that had to be fought, but not a naturalist, far less a student of living nature.'
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Huxley was a brilliant comparative anatomist and Darwin's champion, not a naturalist or student of living nature.
- In plain terms
- He excelled in anatomy and defending Darwin, but wasn't a field naturalist.
- What can you take from it?
- Specialize in strengths while recognizing limits.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What defines a naturalist?
- How do we value different scientific roles?
Another view
Labeling him as 'not a naturalist' may overlook his broader contributions.
More from Thomas Henry Huxley
'It was worth being born to have known Huxley.'
Permalink to quote #78 'From [1854] until 1885 Huxley's labours extended over the widest field of biology and philosophy ever covered by any naturalist with the single exception of A…
Permalink to quote #80 'A man who was always taking two irons out of the fire and putting three in'
Permalink to quote #77
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