In 1770, while he was living in Lichfield, Dr Erasmus Darwin (1731-1802) conceived the first comprehensive Evolutionary Theory of the Universe. This was stimulated by discoveries made in the course of the creation of the Harecastle Tunnel for the Trent and Mersey Canal, with which Erasmus Darwin had been heavily involved with his friend Josiah Wedgwood. This mini-monograph gives an account of his comprehensive evolutionary theory, showing how it merged into his social and political radicalism. It contains an exploration of historical background to the curious theory of reproduction which is embedded in his account as a driver of developmental change, but it also show how close he came to identifying the key principle of modern evolutionary theory. These ‘Enlightenment Mini-Monographs’ have been specially written and published for the benefit of the Derby Museum and Art Gallery, and other regional cultural charities. The author is Professor Emeritus Jonathan Powers DL DUniv, the first Academic Pro Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby. These little books all contain some new and original material not to be found elsewhere. First published by iOpening Books 2014, reprinted with revisions 2015, reprinted Quandary Books 2017 Extended Edition published by Quandary Books 2020 Colour and b/w illustrations Pages: vii, 57. ISBN 978-1-913253-16-5
