Evolution Under the Microscope: A Scientific Critique of the Theory of Evolution

by David W. Swift

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• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0954358902
• ISBN13: 9780954358907
• Release Date: December 2002
• Publisher: Leighton,
• Length: 423 Pages
• Weight: 0.60 lbs.

Customer Reviews

An objective and courteous case against macro evolution

In this book, Swift brings some order to the rather fraught and emotive debate about the validity of the theory of evolution. One of its particularly helpful contributions is to separate out two forms of evolution, and to narrow down the field of controversy: the first type of evolution is that resulting from gene separation and gene mixing; the second is evolution resulting from genuinely new genetic information being produced through mutations. The two types of evolution are considered and analysed from the viewpoint of molecular biology, whereby inheritable changes in an organism or species require new macromolecules to be generated and coded in the DNA. Swift reveals the surprising amount of variation in a population which can result from the processes of gene mixing and separation, even to the extent of a population diverging into separate `species'. There is substantial, documented evidence that this form of evolution (which some call `micro-evolution') happens. Swift's presentation is helpful, because it identifies considerable common ground which objective evolutionists and non-evolutionists can agree on. (It so happens that practically all the commonly quoted examples of evolution in its broadest sense turn out to be cases of micro-evolution, including Darwin's finches, peppered moths and resistance to antibiotics.) The real controversy, of course, is whether genuinely new genetic material can be generated in an evolutionary way by mutations (`macro-evolution'). Swift looks at this in terms of molecular biology, and insists on investigating how the various macromolecules necessary for life in the cell could have evolved. Swift argues that, if an evolutionary developmental path is proposed, it must be supported by an explanation of how the necessary molecular machinery could have evolved - not simply by pointing out gradual physical changes on the outside. Given what we now know about the operation and structure of proteins and other macromolecules in the cell, Swift argues in detail that it is impossible for macromolecules to have evolved in a series of small steps. He is not saying that because the cell is so complicated it must have been designed; he is instead explaining and illustrating why the very large and specific molecules (such as proteins) in cells could simply not have evolved. This book brings new research and knowledge to bear on arguments which were put forward in the past when the facts were not known. Swift's presentation is refreshingly objective, courteous and detached. The first few chapters, on the history of the development of modern science, could be skipped without missing any of the key arguments. At the end, although Swift has presented a strong case for why evolution appears untenable, he appears resigned to its continuance simply because there is no prospect of an alternative theory of origins - at least, no naturalistic alternative. His analysis is sensible and sound; but it does n

The Truth about Evolution

The author of this book set out to give a scientifically objective treatment of the theory of evolution and certainly did a wonderful job. This book is definitely written for biologists and other scientists even though a scientifically educated layperson can get a lot out of it. Since I am a chemist, who has also taught biochemistry, I had no problem understanding and accepting his assertions about chemistry and biochemistry since they are consistent with my own training and experience. The biology sections were more dificult, but even there, I could follow his arguments. The author did a great job of pinpointing the aspects of current evolution theory which are supported by factual evidence and which are not. Specifically, he showed how morphological changes and even the formation of new species can arise from the segregation of an existing pool of genes (microevolution). The author quite effectively explains the main problem with current evolution theory - the production of new genetic material to generate the biochemical apparatus needed to generate new morphological structures. He also gives an excellent treatment of the origin of life problem and the deficiencies of the current evolutionary explanations. I especially hope that this book is read by biologists since it also is quite free of the polemics that one finds in many other books on both sides of this topic.

Best book on evolution

The best book I have read up to now about evolution!In the first few chapters the author gives a concise overview over the history of natural science and the involvement of the church, including it's misconceptions.He then summarizes the development of the idea of evolution, which culminates in Darwin's theory of mutation and selection. All the arguments for evolution are made, to a point that I was wondering why I bought the book. Arguments that are made in biology textbooks for decades are repeated so that this book seems not to fulfill it & #65429;s promise 'to make a distinctive and valuable contribution' and that the author would 'expose funcamental flaws in the overall theory of evolution'.But in the second half of the book this masterpiece of an analytical mind shows that it is well worth it's price.It is awesome to read how, one by one, the 'convincing arguments' for evolution are analyzed and shown to be flawed. Especially the recent new findings in cell biology and genetics shows the impossibility of complex live to have evolved from 'simple' cells. The author also dips briefly into the issue of prebiotic evolution, debunking the common perception that, given enough time, self-replicating molecules could have risen spontaneously. The authors shows that evolution of living matter from non-living matter could not have occured. I just wish the author had dealt in more detail about Popper and science philosophy in general.There are many books where you cannot wait to finish it early, so that you might know the outcome.This book is different. The closer I came to the last chapter, the slower I read. I didn & #65429;t want to finish this book - I wanted to continue to read more about the facts behind the theory of evolution.Great piece, with deep insight - a lot of biological and chemistry facts - written in easy to understand English for the scientific layperson, who is interested in evolution

"Be prepared to give up every preconceived notion"

Science is meant to be based on facts. This book is very thorough in its research and presents its arguments in a very logical manner. This book is a definate need for all scientists as it challenges us to take a fresh look at the facts.This has got to be one of the most clear and precise book on the history and science of evolution to date, and Mr Swift's challenge to the science community is, are all the facts there?