Repercussions of evolutionism in the Spanish natural history society

Francisco Pelayo

pp. 95-110

in: Thomas F. Glick, Miguel A. Puig-Samper, Rosaura Ruiz (eds), The reception of Darwinism in the Iberian world, Berlin, Springer, 2001

Abstract

In 1871, during the markedly libe ral environment created by the Sexennial Revolution (1868-1874), the Spanish Natural History Society (SEHN) was founded) It was established at the instigation of an active group of naturalists whose primary objectives were to promote the study of Natural History in Spain, discuss the most relevant problems relating to this discipline, and have a vehicle through which to publish their work. This early initiative was highly successful, with the number of members in the first three decades fluctuating between 290-300 and, in some years, exceeding four hundred. University professors and teachers from the Faculties of Science, Medicine and Pharmacy; researchers and curators from the Natural Science Museum and the Botanical Gardens in Madrid; teachers from Secondary Education Institutes, Seminaries, Schools and Colleges; engineers with different specialities, students, Natural History enthusiasts, etc.,comprised the long list of naturalists who joined the SEHN