Hewett Cottrell Watson

Frank N. Egerton is Professor of History of Science at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside. He has published widely on the history of ecology and history of evolutionary biology. Currently he is writing a history of the ecological sciences. He has edited History of American Ecology (Arno Press) and Edward Lee Greene's Landmarks of Botanical History (Stanford University Press).

Contents: Preface; Introduction: Watson's significance; Psychobiography or not?; Chapter organization; Part I. Finding a Place in the World: "As the twig is bent, so grows the tree, 1804-28; Edinburgh and career possibilities, 1828-32: The city and phrenology; The university and plant geography; Part II. The Life of a Gentleman Scientist: Relationships and social perspectives, 1833-59: Private life; Family life; Phrenological struggles, 1833-40; Outlook and social responsibilities, 1835-60: Science and religion; Political and social views; Continuing plant geography studies, 1833-48: In Britain; In the Azores Islands; Relationship with William Hooker, 1833-50; Seeking employment, 1842-48; PROFESSIONAL RELATIONSHIPS WITH FORBES, BABINGTON AND BALFOUR, 1833-59: Conflict with Edward Forbes; Botanical colleagues: Watson vs Babington and Balfour; Botanical societies: Edinburgh vs London; HISTORY NOT QUITE REPEATED: WATSON, THE BOTANICAL SOCIETY oF LONDON AND THE PHYTOLOGIST, 1840-58; THE ORIGIN AND TRANSMUTATION OF SPECIES, 1833-47: Watson's orientation and studies; Darwin's orientation and studies; DARWINIAN PARALLELS AND CONTRASTS, 1809-58: Early life and personality; Early thoughts on brain and emotions; Early studies on biogeography; Private and family life; outlook and social responsibilities; In the Azores; Involvements with science and scientists; STONECUTTER FOR DARWIN'S EDIFICE, 1847-1859: Watson's own scientific conclusions; A colleague for Darwin; Part III. Later Life, Work, and Influences: LATER LIFE, WORK AND INFLUENCES, 1860-81: Doubts on the Darwinian revolution; A synthesis on the botany of the Azores; Relationship with Joseph Hooker; A protégé for Watson; Watson's other relationships and influences; DARWINIAN PARALLELS AND CONTRASTS, 1860-82: Later work; Later life; Influences; Conclusions: Personality: Watson's; Darwin's; Difficult personalities within scientific communities; Scientific achievements; Bibliography; Inde