ERASMUS DARWIN
\ɪɹˈazməs dˈɑːwɪn], \ɪɹˈazməs dˈɑːwɪn], \ɪ_ɹ_ˈa_z_m_ə_s d_ˈɑː_w_ɪ_n]\
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An English naturalist and poet, grandfather of Charles R.; born in Elston, Nottingham, Dec. 12, 1731; died at Breads Priory, near Derby, April 18, 1802. "The permanent interest in his writings depends upon his exposition of the form of evolutionism afterwards expounded by Lamarck. He caught a glimpse of many observations and principles afterwards turned to account by his grandson, Charles Darwin; but though a great observer and an acute thinker, he missed the characteristic doctrine which made the success of his grandson's scheme". His literary works are: "The Botanic Garden" (1781); a descriptive poem, "The Temple of Nature, or the Origin of Society" (1803), a specimen of highly didactic versification; and "Zoonomia" (1794-98), a prose work on organic life. As a poet he is lofty and instructive.
By Charles Dudley Warner
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Quinones
- Hydrocarbon rings which contain two moieties position. They can be substituted in any position except at the ketone groups.