The life, times and work of Rasmus Darwin

Abstract

The aim of the thesis is to depict the achievements of Erasmus Darwin as the poet of science. A brief account of his life is given to indicate the background against which he worked, hut no attempt is made here to add to information already available. The Economy of Vegetation, The Loves of the Plants and The Temple of Nature are examined as literary expressions of the impact of new scientific tastes and ideas upon the educated mind of the eighteenth century. Since much of Darwin's material grew out of his contacts with men distinguished in various fields, personal relationships are discussed where they throw light upon the work. His extensive reading has been followed up to investigate the sources of different parts of the poems. The Economy of Vegetation:- considered under different headings corresponding to the various sciences with which it deals. Darwin's interest in meteorology, cosmogony, geology, chemistry, steam-power, electricity. His relationship with Josiah Wedgwood and his debt to the productions of Etruria; his contribution to the study of mythology; his interest in the classics and the arts. The Loves of the plants as a reflection of con-temporary interest in, and as an exposition in verse of Linnaean botany. - Personal and topical references and points of special interest. The Temple of Nature as the expression of Darwin's theories of organic life. The origin of life, the nature of generation, reproduction, evolution. The background of contemporary opinion. Some special features of his theories of psychology and aesthetics; his "philosophy of life". A brief consideration of Darwin's verse-technique An attempt to evaluate his success and failure as a scientific poet. It has not been possible to treat of Darwin's theories of medicine, agriculture or education, hut these are hardly relevant to his work as a poet. The prose work has been drawn on where it illuminates the poetry.