Studying for Exam Two:
Newtonian Science, the Enlightenment, & Evolution (ca. 1660s-1880s)
1) How to study?  see the syllabus or talk to me
2) What to study?  see below for textbook readings [remember website readings, study
guides, & in-class handouts too]
Think about the broad themes of each chapter & section. How does the material presented illustrate these
broad themes? Re-read the handouts and the introductions to each chapter assigned. Most importantly,
think about how the material fits into a broader story of scientific change from the time of Newton (16421727) to the time of Darwin (1809-1882) & the debates over the Origin of Species (1859). See how the
specific evidence fits into the bigger picture. Remember that your readings are NOT just facts, they are a
selective INTERPRETATION comprising a larger historical argument. This is the model to use for writing
good essays.
Between Newton & Darwin: Enlightenment & Enlightenment Science [website
readings, Newton video, handouts]
Newtonian Revolution & the Enlightenment
Landmarks in Western Science (1999)
Expanding Geographical Knowledge: The Earth’s History, & Meaning of Fossils
Norton History of the Environmental Sciences (1992)
Enlightenment Science
Other handouts (including matching quotes exercise, etc.)
Evolution: Before Darwin, Darwin, & Darwinism
Bursting the Limits of Time [Ch. 1]
A Growing Sense of Progress [Ch. 2]
On the Origins of Darwinism [Ch. 3]
Enthroning Naturalism [Ch. 4]
Ascent of Evolutionism [Ch. 5]
Missing Links [Ch. 6, partial]
Here's what you need for the exam: good notes, pen, exam book. Open notes will only help if you
do not spend most of the exam looking at them. You will need to manage time wisely and have
well-organized notes. Students who rely too heavily on notes will run out of time. Remember: the
time-constraint is part of the exercise. Finally, remember that if you need help or have any
questions to be sure and ask me. I am more than willing to help any student with study skills or
course content, but ultimately students must put in the effort and seek assistance when they need it.
Exam Format
SECTION
Essay
Identifications
Quotations
POINTS
TIME (Approx.)
70 points (2 BROAD questions, pick ONE)
65-70 minutes
20 points (10-12 listed, pick TWO)
15-20 minutes
10 points (4-5 listed, pick ONE)
8-10 minutes
100 points
“Darwin’s Dangerous Idea”: Big Picture
Questions
1) Why is Darwin still a controversial historical
figure?
2) What is Darwin’s theory of natural selection?
3) How did Darwin arrive at his theory?
4) Why is Darwin’s work significant beyond the
field of biology?
Misconceptions about the theory of Natural
Selection
1) Darwin’s natural selection = evolution.
2) “Living organisms adapt themselves to the
environment.”
3) “The strong survive and the weak die.”
4) “Living things get better and better as a result of natural selection.”
On the Origin of Species (1st ed., 1859)
As many more individuals of each species are born than can
possibly survive; and as, consequently, there is a frequently
recurring struggle for existence, it follows that any being, if it
vary, however slightly, in any manner profitable to itself,
under the complex and sometimes varying conditions of life,
will have a better chance of surviving, and thus be naturally
selected.
Myths & Misconceptions about Darwin &
Darwinism
1) Darwin was the first person to come up with
evolutionary or transmutationist ideas.
2) Darwin arrived at his theory simply by
observing nature (i.e., empirical “Baconian”
induction).
3) Darwin’s theory came to him a flash of insight
(i.e., “Eureka!” or “light bulb” moment).
4) Darwin argued that humans came from
monkeys.
5) Darwinism & Christianity were viewed as
completely incompatible by all or most.
6) The only objections to Darwin’s theory were
based on religious belief.