Evolution

Is theory of evolution real or an illusion? To the editor: Are you as amused as I am by opinion letters defending the theory of evolution? You know, those letters that pretend that the theory (really a weak hypothesis) is oh-so-scientifically superior to whatever it is that the unwashed masses believe. “But hasn’t evolution been scientifically proven?” you ask. No, it hasn’t even been tested. Reduced to its essence, the theory says that 1)

Richard Dawkins, the brilliant and honored British biologist, has written another superb piece of literature. A much respected Fellow of the Royal Society (Science) and of Royal Society of Literature, he has just published, "The Greatest Show On Earth: The Evidence For Evolution. " This is a formidable masterpiece - a virtual library of up-to-date, reliable information about the multiple sciences that support the Darwinian (and post-Darwinian) account of evolution. There is no longer any excuse for being uninformed or misinformed about the subject of evolution.

Afforded a little extra time from finishing chores early on Tuesday, I sat with a cup of coffee in what used to be a backyard, but now, thanks to the drought, resembles an abandoned shopping center parking lot. I don't mow anymore so much as I pluck. I put my feet up on the patio table, watched the cattle munch at the round bale, saw the goats stretching out in the barn for a nap and listened to the gentle hum of the alpacas. Of course, this peaceful postcard of a setting didn't last.

The April 9 announcement of the discovery of partial skeletons of a 9-year-old boy and a female about 30 years of age in South Africa was another confirmation of evolution. These fossil bones, estimated to be about 2 million years of age, also support the "out of Africa" predictions as the birthplace of pre-human primates leading to human beings. Many who are interested in the development of evolutionary thought are aware that Darwin published "The Origin Of Species" in 1859.

Once upon a time, about 13 billion years ago, there was total darkness and nothing existed. Then, for some strange reason, a dense piece of volatile matter was formed. I'm not sure why. Shortly afterwards, there was a "Big Bang" and this matter exploded and was thrown outward. Even though you and I did not witness the event, this story is based on reliable information. Oh, speaking of you and me. While this debris was traveling outwards, something very peculiar happened.

Charles Darwin is forever linked to evolution, thanks to his groundbreaking book "The Origin of Species. " Now, his wife is making a contribution to evolution of another kind. Dusha Bateson and Weslie Janeway recently edited and revived "Mrs. Charles Darwin's Recipe Book" (Glitterati Inc., $35), providing a look inside a Victorian household as well as a study in how cooking has evolved since the 19th century. Emma Wedgwood Darwin was born in 1808 and lived 14 years past her husband, dying in 1896.