Evolution Under the Microscope [Paperback]

David Swift (Author)

Product Details

• Paperback: 423 pages
• Publisher: Leighton Academic Press (October 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0954358902
• ISBN-13: 978-0954358907
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.2 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #610,085 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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23 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An objective and courteous case against macro evolution, April 23, 2005

By 

Another UK reader - See all my reviews

This review is from: Evolution Under the Microscope (Paperback)

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 not flatter the scientific community.
I would recommend that this book be read not only by non-evolutionists who will agree with much of it, but by evolutionists who may not: I found myself wishing to read a similarly objective, detailed and courteous response by an evolutionist to the arguments from molecular biology presented by Swift, rather than simply forceful statements of disagreement or dismissal.

17 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Truth about Evolution, January 17, 2005

By 

James F. Nugent (Rhode Island, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Evolution Under the Microscope (Paperback)

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.

16 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "Be prepared to give up every preconceived notion", May 20, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Evolution Under the Microscope (Paperback)

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?